UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 i MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Happy Friday! I didn’t get a chance to blog last Friday because I was in the midst of a tremendous two-day visit to UT El Paso. All of our universities and health institutions contribute culturally and economically to their local communities, but few universities anywhere are as enmeshed in the life of their hometown as UT El Paso. Simply put, UT El Paso is unique. Set in the foothills of the Franklin Mountains, El Paso enjoys the kind of mountain views most people simply don’t associate with . Paul Foster, chairman of the UT System Board of Regents and El Paso resident – along with UTEP President Adm. William McRaven Diana Natalicio and her team – graciously Chancellor of The University of Texas System showed Georgeann, me and my UT System colleagues around the city and the university One of my great pleasures over the past last week. several months has been to share the joy The first thing you notice about the campus is the architecture. It requires a little backstory. and excitement prompted by UTEP’s new UTEP was founded 101 years ago (although then it was called the Texas State School of Mines Centennial Plaza project. From members and Metallurgy). The wife of the school’s first dean was fascinated by some photos she had seen of Bhutan, a country in South Asia, in National Geographic. She persuaded her husband that of our UTEP family of students, faculty, Bhutanese-style architecture would be the perfect fit for his school’s first building. And long story staff, alumni and close friends to first- short, in the century that followed, as the school has grown, the campus has sustained an unusual time visitors to our campus, everyone degree of architectural consistency and a life-long connection with the people of Bhutan. Almost seems inspired—even awestruck!—by the everywhere you look, you see the signature sloping walls, overhanging roofs, dark bands of brick and transformation of our beautiful campus mosaic tiles. core. In culmination of UTEP’s 100th anniversary, a historic campus transformation project is nearly Earlier this summer, we had the complete. Students now enjoy outdoor green spaces and the ability to walk freely across their pleasure of welcoming a very special campus. Additionally, the Texas Legislature recently approved $70 million in tuition revenue bonds newcomer to our campus, when Adm. to help fund a new interdisciplinary research center on campus. UTEP continues to grow! Under President Natalicio’s leadership, UTEP has focused on offering high quality and affordable William McRaven, recently appointed educational opportunities to young people of all backgrounds – and that focus has garnered national Chancellor of The University of Texas attention, as Washington Monthly magazine ranked UTEP #1 in the country for fostering student System, his wife Georgeann, and mobility. UTEP’s access and excellence model is something we all can learn from. members of his leadership team visited But what makes UTEP unique has less to do with its architecture, or its growth, than with its vision UTEP. Shortly after his visit, Chancellor and commitment to making a difference in the Paso del Norte region. In reaching out to the K-12 McRaven captured his first impressions of schools and the community colleges, they have encouraged the region to buy into the concept of UTEP in a fascinating blog, which I have higher education as a game changer for individual students and for the community itself. the pleasure of sharing with you here. I In my UTEP visit, I had a chance to see a lot of really impressive facilities, including simulation laboratories and 3-D printing sites. But more importantly, I got to meet the faculty, the staff and trust you’ll enjoy as much as we did seeing especially the students who are the lifeblood of every UT System campus. I also met with local UTEP through our new Chancellor’s eyes. business leaders, legislators and members of the media. Everywhere I turned, and every conversation I had, I got a reminder of how important a good university is to the community around it. Go Miners! I left El Paso feeling very proud of what UTEP means to this unique American community. I’m excited about the future the school and the community will share, and I’m already looking forward to my next visit. I hope you have a great weekend. Thanks for reading. Diana Natalicio All of our universities and health institutions contribute culturally and economically to their local communities, but few universities anywhere are as enmeshed in the life of their hometown as UT El Paso. CONTENTS STAY CONNECTED TO UTEP UTEP MAGAZINE | FALL 2015 THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO Homecoming 2015 PRESIDENT DIANA NATALICIO ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT FOR UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS ROBIN GERROW EVENTS GUIDE 10 EDITOR-IN-CHIEF JENN CRAWFORD 13 PARADE ROUTE LEAD DESIGNER GRIS CAMPOS DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI PRODUCTION MANAGER 14 ROSE COOPER PHOTO EDITOR 18 GOLD NUGGET AWARD RECIPIENTS LAURA TREJO EDITORIAL Adm. William McRaven LAURA L. ACOSTA, ELIZABETH ASHBY, Chancellor of The University of Texas System Research DAVID CHAVEZ, LISA Y. GARIBAY, P.J. VIERRA, VERONIQUE MASTERSON, DANIEL PEREZ, ESMERALDA TREVIÑO, 24 NADIA M. WHITEHEAD 48 DESIGN TURNING ON THE VALVE: WATER PIPELINE A LASTING LEGACY: RESEARCH CENTER BOBBY DANIELS, JOHN DOWNEY, REVITALIZES RIO BOSQUE WETLANDS PARK TROY TOMBERLIN Treated wastewater is helping revitalize this wetlands CONTINUES TO THRIVE Founded in 1993, the Center for Transportation PHOTOGRAPHY and wildlife preserve. Infrastructure Systems is still going strong. IVAN PIERRE AGUIRRE, J.R. HERNANDEZ COPY EDITORS 50 RACHEL ANNA NEFF, DAVID PEREGRINO Features ONLINE EDITOR RESEARCHERS DIG FOR INFORMATION FRANK DURAN ABOUT BORDER TUNNELS WEB AND VIDEO 21 NAHUM AVILA, JAVIER LOYA, 52 LIZA RODRIGUEZ DALE WALKER: MAN OF MANY WORDS He spent his career interviewing and writing about other GRANTS ROUND UP BUSINESS SUPPORT people, while reinforcing UTEP’s cultural ties to Bhutan. PATSY ACHIM SENIOR ASSOCIATE ATHLETIC Other Departments DIRECTOR FOR COMMUNICATIONS 28 & UNIVERSITY RELATIONS THE PLACE I FOUND ME JEFF DARBY Renowned Spanish dance and culture professor Rita SPORTS INFORMATION Triana retires. 2 Brumbelow Building NEWS 500 W. University Ave. El Paso, TX 79968-0579 30 915-747-5347 www.utepathletics.com PUBLIC ART CONTRIBUTES TO 54 CAMPUS TRANSFORMATION ATHLETICS Contents © 2015 by Learn about three new pieces of public art on campus. The University of Texas at El Paso UTEP Magazine 56 UTEP Magazine is published three times 31 ALUMS per year by the CENTENNIAL PLAZA UTEP Office of University Communications 500 W. University Ave. See the beauty of the new heart of campus in this 66 El Paso, TX 79968-0522 multipage pullout. 915-747-5526 • [email protected] IN MEMORIAM 38 utepmagazine.utep.edu NEW STUDENT HOUSING COMPLEX 67 PROMOTES STUDENT ENGAGEMENT MINERS AROUND THE WORLD

40 UTEP Magazine 2015 • Volume 7, Issue 3 On the Cover The University of Texas at El Paso THE TERRY SCHOLARSHIP Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre All rights reserved. Generous gift funds 15 future Miners. Reproduction in whole or in part in any format without permission is prohibited.

Printed on 10% post consumer recycled paper.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 1 UTEP NEWS

By Nadia M. Whitehead 3-D Printing America’s Future UTEP Leads Effort to Bring Manufacturing Back to the U.S.

In 2012, President Barack Obama to the creation of an America Makes office These unique UTEP-developed technologies envisioned new efforts to revitalize within UTEP’s W.M. Keck Center for 3-D are expected to build up America’s manufacturing in the U.S. The vision Innovation, a laboratory brimming with manufacturing strength, and El Paso’s, too. demanded cutting-edge innovations in state-of-the-art 3-D printing technologies. With support from America Makes, the manufacturing to create more jobs for the Government employees will be housed in Keck Center is keen on making El Paso a American people. the new center and will work closely with hub for 3-D printing. Part of the government Just three years later, The University UTEP faculty and student researchers on new partnership involves regional outreach of Texas at El Paso has become directly developments related to manufacturing. to educate, train and provide technical involved in that initiative, leading the effort “3-D printing has the potential to assistance to businesses that utilize 3-D to strengthen manufacturing through 3-D revolutionize manufacturing in the U.S.,” printing technologies. printing. said Ryan Wicker, Ph.D., Keck Center Wicker expects job opportunities for El The University was declared the country’s director and professor of mechanical Pasoans and others across the country to soon first satellite center of America Makes engineering. “By printing exactly what increase thanks to the country’s new focus on earlier this year. Also known as the National you need, you can reduce assembly time, manufacturing with a 3-D printing twist. Additive Manufacturing Innovation Institute inspection and manufacturing costs, thus (NAMII), America Makes is a federally creating high-value, mass-customized parts.” funded institute created in response to Wicker and the Keck Center are developing Obama’s manufacturing ambitions. The new a manufacturing suite of technologies based government partnership legitimizes UTEP’s on 3-D printing to build complex parts with national leadership in 3-D printing and multiple functions. signifies the University will play a major role The technology operates similar to an in advancing manufacturing. assembly line. Multimaterial objects are “This new relationship is a testament to the moved from printer to printer via a robotic preeminence of research underway at UTEP,” arm so that plastics, metals and electronics said UTEP President Diana Natalicio. can be printed and incorporated into the final “Exciting new technologies developed on this product. campus are attracting the attention of the “This is the future – a day where simply nation and the world.” pushing a button will lead to rapid, reliable and The satellite center designation will lead affordable 3-D printed items,” Wicker said.

Top: UTEP’s W.M. Keck Center for 3-D Innovation is brimming with state-of-the-art 3-D printing technology. Photo by J.R. Hernandez Bottom: A 3-D printer at UTEP in the process of creating the popular comic book hero Batman. Photo by J.R. Hernandez

2 utepmagazine.utep.edu >> New Bachelor’s Fulfills Construction Undergraduate Amanda Industry Need Sarieddine decided to switch over to the new Construction By Nadia M. Whitehead Engineering and Management program earlier this year raduates of a new University because of the field’s high job degree plan are expected to find demand. jobs quickly and easily. Photo by J.R. Hernandez G The Bachelor of Science in Construction Engineering and Management (BSCEM) program blends business management and civil engineering to create savvy graduates with administrative and construction skills. Best of the Best: “There is an increasing demand from students for programs that have a mix of UTEP Places Second in International Desalination Competition technical and business skill development, and from employers in the construction industry By Nadia M. Whitehead for graduates of those programs,” said Richard Schoephoerster, Ph.D., dean of the A team of UTEP faculty members placed second in College of Engineering. the international Desal Prize competition. From left: National universities with construction Director of the Center for Inland Desalination Systems engineering programs report nearly 100 (CIDS) Thomas Davis, Ph.D.; Associate Director of percent placement of graduates with high CIDS Malynda Cappelle; and Assistant Professor of Civil starting wages. In addition, according Engineering Shane Walker, Ph.D. Photo by J.R. Hernandez. to statistics from the U.S. Department of Labor, employment of construction professionals is projected to increase by 16 The University of Texas at El Paso has sustainable desalination technology that percent during the 2006-16 decade – faster another accolade to tie to its name. could provide potable water for humans than the average for all occupations. In April, a team of faculty members placed and crops in developing countries. After Cesar Carrasco, Ph.D., chair of the second in the highly competitive and rigorous months of evaluation, the competition boiled Department of Civil Engineering – where Desal Prize competition. More than 60 down to five finalists whose cutting-edge the degree will be housed – explained, teams from 29 countries registered for the prototypes were pitted against each other in “Construction projects today are very international challenge. Alamogordo, New Mexico. complex and require very sophisticated The victory positioned UTEP right behind With the second place designation, the management skills that are not part of first-place winner Massachusetts Institute UTEP team won $60,000. The group is most bachelor’s degree programs in civil of Technology (MIT) and ahead of a team now eligible to receive grant funds totaling engineering.” that included individuals from the Technion $400,000 to implement their prototype in Students in UTEP’s BSCEM program - Israel Institute of Technology and the pilot projects with rural farmers. will be able to meet these demands by University of North Texas. “I look forward to the next step, which gaining more than engineering skills. By “I’m very proud of what we accomplished will be piloting our system with farmers in a the time they graduate, BSCEM students and that we were able to hold our own against developing country, hopefully somewhere in will have taken courses in accounting, MIT,” said Malynda Cappelle, who led the Latin America,” Cappelle said. finance, business management, construction UTEP team and serves as the associate The challenge took place to encourage management, communication, cost director of the Center for Inland Desalination and accelerate innovative solutions to treat estimating, safety and contracts. Systems (CIDS). Other members of the group brackish water — water that is saltier than The degree was approved by the Texas were CIDS Director Tom Davis, Ph.D., and freshwater, but less salty than seawater. Higher Education Coordinating Board in Assistant Professor of Civil Engineering It was hosted by multiple organizations, April 2015. Shane Walker, Ph.D. including the Bureau of Reclamation and the The challenge involved creating a cost- U.S. Agency for International Development effective, energy-efficient and environmentally (USAID).

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 3 UTEP NEWS Graduation Celebration Almost 2,600 spring and summer graduation candidates were eligible to participate in The University of Texas at El Paso’s Spring Commencement ceremonies at the on May 16, 2015. During the three ceremonies, President Diana Natalicio talked about her pride in the graduates’ accomplishments and the role UTEP played in transforming their future. She hoped this milestone would be a springboard to future success based on planning, preparation, perseverance and meaningful partnerships. She advised them to use their talents to do what they loved. “Match your purpose to your work,” President Natalicio said. “Make career choices that enable you to leverage your special strengths, skills and passions in ways that allow you to both uniquely contribute to the world touched by your work life, and at the same time bring you deep satisfaction.”

Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre

4 utepmagazine.utep.edu UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 5 UTEP NEWS

THE SPRING CLASS OF 2015 TOP TEN SEN10RS By David Chavez and Esmeralda Treviño • Photos by Laura Trejo

Mayela Renata Alexander Jeremiah Karla Verónica Joselyn Lisa Marie Aldaz-Cervantes Balcázar Becerra Cardenas Anaya Haisan Metallurgical & Sociology Mechanical Engineering Mechanical Engineering Civil Engineering Materials Engineering Throughout her time at During his undergraduate “At the start of my Joselyn Cardenas Anaya Being in the Texas The University of Texas at career at UTEP, Alexander engineering education, was the first in her family to Pre-Freshman Engineering El Paso, Mayela Renata Jeremiah Balcázar learned I doubted the extent of attend college. She knew there Program at The University Aldaz-Cervantes has been the importance of education. accomplishments I could would be many challenges of Texas at El Paso very active in student The liberal arts major achieve as a woman in when she started her as a convinced Lisa Marie organizations, internships took courses to expand his engineering,” said Karla mechanical engineering Haisan to pursue a degree and her studies. During horizons. He credits associate Verónica Becerra. “However, major. Early on, Cardenas in civil engineering at the her undergraduate professors of sociology and I now realize that being a Anaya participated in student University. Her involvement career, she seized anthropology Sara Grineski, woman in engineering is an organizations and internships, on campus continued when every opportunity for Ph.D., and Tim Collins, empowerment.” Throughout including serving as vice she joined the American research and professional Ph.D., with challenging and her undergraduate career, president for The American Society of Civil Engineering. development, including encouraging him to strive Becerra took advantage of Society of Mechanical She became one of the six developing biomaterials for excellence. Balcázar all of the great opportunities Engineers (ASME). When teammates and the only for liver cells at The worked as an undergraduate made available to her. she joined the Baja Society of woman from UTEP to Massachusetts Institute research assistant under Although she was a freshman Automotive Engineers (SAE) compete as a builder during of Technology for two their mentorship, studying at the time, Becerra was chapter, she worked with the 2012 Texas-Mexico summers and studying disparities in health outcomes offered her first internship engineering applications. As Regional Steel Bridge components from the and health care access among with General Motors Global captain of the safety team for Competition in Houston, space shuttle Columbia to fourth- and fifth-graders in the Fuel Lab. After her success the international Baja SAE Texas, where her team provide better materials El Paso Independent School at GM, Becerra was offered a competition, she participated won first place. She later for future spaceflight District. He wrote a scholarly second opportunity at the Lake in the design, building and performed research on with UTEP’s Center article that is in peer review Orion Assembly Center, where coordination process of an off- NASA-sponsored projects. for the Advancement of and presented his research she helped launch the Chevy road vehicle. Her participation Haisan also conducted Space Safety and Mission at the 2014 American Sonic and Buick Verano under in hands-on extracurricular research in the Center for Assurance Research Association of Geographers the Chassis Issue Resolution activities at UTEP prepared Inland Desalination Systems (CASSMAR). She has national conference. Team. She later completed an her for an internship with (CIDS) lab at UTEP, traveled extensively to Balcázar’s experience in internship with the Central Boeing in Seattle, where she where she designed an represent UTEP. Her research at UTEP has sparked Intelligence Agency. Her is now employed. “My dream environmentally sustainable research and training his desire to continue studying final internship was with the has always been designing system for developing prepared her to be a at the graduate level. Intel Corporation, where she airplanes, since I was five, so countries that could be materials engineer and assisted in price negotiations just being near airplanes is the powered solely by renewable researcher. She hopes and cost savings. Becerra best,” she said. energy. Overall, UTEP to begin her Ph.D. in plans to pursue a Master of has allowed her to develop materials engineering Business Administration in the leadership skills and prepare this fall. near future. for future endeavors.

6 utepmagazine.utep.edu Each year, The University of Texas at El Paso presents some of its most promising future alumni with the Top 10 Seniors award, which recognizes graduating or recently graduated students. The award reflects the true spirit of what it means to be an outstanding student and a proud Miner. The Top 10 Seniors for 2015 were chosen based on a combination of academic achievement, involvement, leadership and service both in the community and on campus, as well as the impression they have made on others during their time at UTEP. Nominees must have a cumulative GPA of 3.25 or greater and be receiving their first undergraduate degree within the current academic year.

Taylor Steven Beatriz Del Carmen Andre Fernando Claudia Stephanie Esteban Harmon Madrigal Sánchez Perez-Orozco Preza Quintanilla Cellular & Cellular & Cellular & Art History Accounting Molecular Biochemistry Molecular Biochemistry Molecular Biochemistry Taylor Steven Harmon While at UTEP, Beatriz Del Andre Fernando Perez- Claudia Stephanie Preza As an incoming had one singular goal Carmen Madrigal Sánchez Orozco graduated with a thrived throughout her studies freshman at UTEP, Esteban since he stepped onto learned the great reward of Bachelor of Science in cellular at UTEP. The art history major Quintanilla wished for The University of Texas overcoming obstacles. With and molecular biochemistry maintained a 3.94 GPA while time travel so he could at El Paso campus as a her 3.96 GPA, she has been and a 3.95 GPA. He received participating in six different fix his past mistakes. He freshman – to become, on the Dean’s List since 2009. more than 10 awards during student organizations, holding still thinks it would be as he wrote in an essay, Madrigal Sánchez has received his studies at UTEP, including the secretary and interim vice extraordinary to go back “the greatest student … an Institute for Molecular the Massachusetts Institute president positions in two of in time, but he no longer by working to be among Engineering fellowship of Technology (MIT) Summer them. Preza maintains strong wishes to change his the top, if not the top, of program scholarship and Research Fellowship and ties with her community, past because, “It’s those my graduating class.” He a Research Initiative for the Best Research Poster taking part in the St. Matthew mistakes that led me to a achieved this goal, finishing Scientific Enhancement award at the MIT-Harvard Catholic Church Catechism point I could have never with a 3.96 grade point (RISE) undergraduate symposium in summer 2014. as a kindergarten teacher, envisioned myself reaching average as a cellular and research scholar award. Perez-Orozco participated in retreat team leader and – graduating near the top molecular biochemistry Madrigal Sánchez also seven campus organizations coordinator. Preza is grateful of my class.” He would major. He received the Men excelled outside the classroom, and volunteered in several for the support from her loved develop drive and confidence of Mines Award, the Who’s volunteering at a research community activities. He was ones and the help UTEP has early on at UTEP and Who Among American laboratory and participating in an officer for the American given her to prepare for her would begin to strive for Colleges and Universities several campus and community Society of Microbiology and future. As part of her museum perfection. The accounting and graduated Summa organizations. She founded the a peer leader for Peer-Led studies minor, Preza worked major maintained a 4.0 Cum Laude in December UTEP chapter of the American Team Learning. Perez-Orozco as a curatorial intern at the GPA and received numerous 2015. Harmon also Society for Biochemistry and has been accepted to several . Preza awards, including the spent hundreds of hours Molecular Biology (ASBMB) prestigious M.D. and Ph.D. plans to continue her career Accounting Society Most volunteering at numerous in 2012. She will pursue her programs and plans to become in art history and credits her Valuable Member and the events and organizations master’s in nursing in San a medical doctor. time at UTEP with laying Gibson, Ruddock, Patterson while working various Antonio. the foundation for her future LLC Accounting Scholar. research jobs to enhance successes. “I am grateful that He took part in campus his education. UTEP enabled me to expand and community activities my horizons via leadership including the Accounting workshops, honors programs Society. Quintanilla and internship opportunities,” will pursue a master’s she said. in accounting from The University of Texas at Austin.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 7 UTEP NEWS

Nontraditional Students Connect with New Online Degree Plans By Daniel Perez

The launch of UTEP arm that oversees nontraditional academic in criminal justice, security studies, content. organizational and corporate Connect in early May “Some of our military students, for communication, multidisciplinary studies, example, are deployed and log into the health promotion and prebusiness. Its 2015 expanded The courses from Afghanistan,” Smith said. master’s plans are in nursing, defense and “UTEP Connect online programs allow strategic studies, and bilingual and early University of Texas working adults to earn a degree and an childhood education. Students also can at El Paso’s efforts to invaluable credential for promotion or pursue a graduate certificate in technical advancement in the workforce.” and professional writing. provide access and The numbers bear out a need for online UTEP Connect plans to expand its curriculum at UTEP and beyond. According portfolio within the next few years to excellence to students to data from the University’s Center for include a doctoral degree from the College Institutional Evaluation, Research and of Education. beyond the region. Planning, the number of students who took Don Belknap, fifth grade teacher at online courses jumped to 9,219 during the Lundy Elementary School on El Paso’s West UTEP Connect is the institution’s 2013-14 session from 4,419 four years Side, earned his master’s degree in early collection of 12 fully online graduate and earlier. childhood education in December 2014. This undergraduate degree plans created to The number of UTEP’s fully online degree plan is among those consolidated benefit nontraditional students who, for courses almost doubled to 630 during the under UTEP Connect. business, personal or geographic reasons, same time period. Recent national statistics Belknap, a husband and parent, said he cannot attend classes on campus. showed that about 25 percent of college needed self-discipline and focus to succeed Program officials reported a smooth students took a distance-learning course in with online courses, but they gave him more start as UTEP’s cyberstudents logged on 2012, and almost 22 percent of the nearly control of his time. to their classes and reviewed homework 3 million U.S. graduate students worked “It freed me up when I had deadlines at assignments. The initial feedback was exclusively online. (Lundy),” Belknap said. “I could work late positive. UTEP Connect bachelor’s programs are at school and not miss a class.” The flexibility of online education is critical to reach the growing number of nontraditional students who want to earn Learn more about the UTEP Connect college or university degrees, said Mike EDU Smith, J.D., Ph.D., dean of Extended suite of programs at online.utep.edu. University, the institution’s administrative

8 utepmagazine.utep.edu Faculty Must-Reads

Colección Ficción: Cases of Leadership, Testimonios desde la by Laura Guerrero, Ph.D., memoria colectiva, by assistant professor of Luis A. Ramos, professor of management, et al. (SAGE creative writing (Universidad Publications Inc., 2015) Veracruzana, 2014)

The PTA Handbook: Keys Inspiring Change and to Success in School and Saving Lives: The Positive Career for the Physical Deviance Way, by Arvind Therapist Assistant, by Singhal, Ph.D., Samuel Shirley Kathleen A. Curtis, Ph.D., and Edna Holt Marston dean of the College of Health Professor of Communication, Sciences and the Charles H. et al. (Plexus Press, 2014) and Shirley T. Leavell Chair in Health Sciences, et al. (Slack Books, 2014)

Smart Grid (R)Evolution: Introduction to Criminal Electric Power Struggles, Justice: The Essentials, by Tarla Peterson, Ph.D., by Leanne F. Alarid, Ph.D., professor of communication, associate professor of et al. (NHBS, 2015) criminal justice, et al. (Aspen Publishers, 2014)

Sacred Uncertainty: Propagation of Interval Religious Difference and and Probabilistic the Shape of Melville’s Uncertainty in Career, by Brian Yothers, Cyberinfrastructure- Ph.D., professor of English Related Data Processing (Northwestern University and Data Fusion, by Vladik Press, 2015) Kreinovich, Ph.D., professor of computer science, et al. (Springer, 2015)

Solid State Physics, Overcoming Challenges contributor Raymond C. in Software Engineering Rumpf, Ph.D., associate Education: Delivering professor of electrical and Non-Technical Knowledge computer engineering and Skills, contributors (Elsevier, 2015) Ann Gates, Ph.D., chair and professor of computer science; Elsa Villa, Ph.D., assistant professor of practice; and Salamah Salamah, Ph.D., clinical associate professor and director of software engineering (IGI Global, 2014)

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 9 HOMECOMING 2015

THE UNIVERSITY OF TEXAS AT EL PASO HOMECOMING EVENTS GUIDE Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre

10 utepmagazine.utep.edu 2015 Homecoming Calendar

Sunday, Sept. 27 - Saturday, Oct. 3, 2015

UTEP Black Alumni Civil Engineering Sunday Thursday Meet and Greet Homecoming Luncheon Sept. 27 Oct. 1 UTEP Black Alumni Network Civil Engineering 5 - 7:30 p.m. 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Alumni Association Past Hilton Garden Inn, Patio Chemistry and Computer Miner Dash Presidents’ Breakfast James Jones/Florida Dotson Science Building Courtyard 6th Annual 5K Run/3K Walk Office of Alumni Relations 256-457-9008/281-802-6286 Concha Ruiz 747-5464 and Family Fitness Fiesta 8:30 a.m. - 10 a.m. Young Alumni Network Social College of Health Sciences, Peter and Margaret de Young Alumni Network Kinesiology Wetter Center (Alumni Lodge) 5 - 10 p.m. Float Making Party 8 a.m. - noon 747-8600 TBD Student Engagement & UTEP Campus, Streets Jackie Reed Leadership Center George King/David Wittenburg College of Science Breakfast 747-5592 6 p.m. 747-7284/747-2269 College of Science University Towers Parking Lot 9 a.m. Sam Rodriguez Homecoming Pageant Chemistry and Computer Friday 747-5670 Student Government Science Building, Oct. 2 Association First Floor Lobby Distinguished Alumni 5:30 - 9 p.m. Roxanne Giron/ Awards Dinner Magoffin Auditorium Kristen Gonzalez COBA Military Office of Alumni Relations 6:30 p.m. Hector Soltero/Karen Aguilar 747-5042/747-8106 Appreciation Breakfast 747-7492/747-7489 College of Business Don Haskins Center Sonia Villa SGA Past Presidents’ Administration 747-6742 Luncheon 7:30 - 9 a.m. Wednesday Office of Alumni Relations El Paso Natural Gas 11:30 a.m. – 1 p.m. Conference Center Saturday Sept. 30 Peter and Margaret de Wetter Krista Snow 747-8636 Center (Alumni Lodge) Oct. 3 747-8600 Lip Sync School of Nursing Gold Nugget Breakfast College of Engineering Student Engagement & Homecoming Reception School of Nursing Homecoming Breakfast Leadership Center Department of English 7:30 - 9:30 a.m. College of Engineering Noon 3 - 4:20 p.m. Health Sciences and Nursing 8 a.m. Union Plaza Hudspeth Hall Foyer Building, Curlin Plaza Tomás Rivera Conference Sam Rodriguez Mitzel Garcia/Ana Diaz Samantha Dena/Laura Aguirre Center 747-5670 747-6240/747-6239 747-8173/747-7216 Alejandrina Morton/Ingrid Wright Gold Nugget and Friends Gold Nugget Reception Open House at the 747-6917/747-5971 of the College Recognition College of Liberal Arts Alumni Lodge Event 4 p.m. Office of Alumni Relations Panhellenic Reunion Office of Alumni Relations College of Health Sciences Stanlee and Gerald Rubin 8 a.m. - 2 p.m. 9 – 10 a.m. 4 - 5:30 p.m. Center for the Visual Arts Peter and Margaret de Peter and Margaret de Wetter Health Sciences and Nursing Wetter Center Estella Estrada / Center Building, Curlin Plaza Cecy DeSantiago 747-8600 Dr. Sue Glover Mottinger, Leticia Paez/Daniela Lerma 747-7016/747-8621 Class of 1965 747-8585/747-7201 College of Education Gold Nugget Breakfast [email protected] COBA 2015 Gold College of Education Nugget Ceremony 8:30 - 11 a.m. Communication College of Business Administration Templeton Suite, Homecoming Brunch 4:30 - 6 p.m. Union Bldg. East Department of Communication Hilton Garden Inn, Noni Silva/Julio Martinez 10 a.m. - noon Del Norte Ballroom 747-5783/747-5572 Cotton Memorial Lawn Krista Snow Stacey Sowards/Rosie Antillon 747-8636 747-8854/747-5129 Homecoming Calendar continued on page 12 HOMECOMING 2015

10/03 Homecoming Game UTEP vs. San Antonio 6 p.m. Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre

Homecoming Calendar continued from All Golden Grads events hosted by the Office of Alumni Relations-Golden Grads Committee previous page UTEP Alumni Association Saturday 1965 Friday Our motto, “Once Oct. 3 Golden Oct. 2 a Golden Grad, Homecoming Parade Open House at the Alumni always a Golden Office of Alumni Relations Grads Lodge and Visit the UTEP Bookstore 1 p.m. Grad,” encourages Calendar 8:30 a.m. University Ave. and Oregon St. Peter and Margaret de Wetter all alumni from the 747-8600 Thursday Center (Alumni Lodge) class of 1965 and Pep Rally Heritage House Tour Office of Alumni Relations Oct. 1 earlier to join us 9 a.m. 2 p.m. Heritage House for the celebrations Coffee and Check-in Office of Alumni Relations 10 a.m. Golden Grads Luncheon especially 747-8600 Peter and Margaret de Wetter with President Natalicio designed with our Center (Alumni Lodge) 11:30 a.m. UTEP Alumni Tailgate Tomás Rivera Conference Office of Alumni Relations TCM and TWC Campus Tour Center, Union Bldg. 3:30 – 5:30 p.m. 11 a.m. Third Floor graduates in mind. Kidd Field Peter and Margaret de Wetter Office of Alumni Relations Center (Alumni Lodge) Visit alumni.utep. 747-8600 Saturday edu/goldengrads Welcome Lunch Homecoming Game – Oct. 3 1 p.m. or call 915-747-8600 UTEP vs. San Antonio Geology Reading Room, Brunch, Housing Tour, UTEP Athletics Third Floor to register. 6 p.m. Parade and Pep Rally 11 a.m. Dinner Miner Village Ticket Center 6:30 p.m. 747-5000 Peter and Margaret de Wetter Center (Alumni Lodge)

12 utepmagazine.utep.edu Homecoming Parade Route Saturday, Oct. 3 | 1 p.m.

N. Mesa St. Don Haskins Center Start>1 3 2 Oregon St. Robinson Ave.

Rim Rd. University Ave. Randolph Dr. 4 End Kidd Field 5 Glory Rd. Centennial Plaza

Hawthorne Ave. Sun Bowl

The parade begins at University Wiggins Rd. Towers, continues University Ave. onto Oregon St., Sun Bowl Dr. Schuster Ave. followed by a left on Robinson 10 Ave., a right on Randolph Dr. and ends at Kidd Field.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 13 HOMECOMING 2015

Distinguished Alumni As is tradition, The University of Texas at El Paso sets aside a few moments during Homecoming to focus the attention of the Miner Nation on graduates who have achieved excellence in their chosen fields and serve as examples of what can be accomplished through integrity, dedication and determination. The University has selected three outstanding UTEP graduates whose achievements serve as an inspiration to present and future Miners. They join the distinctive ranks of Distinguished Alumni because they balanced big dreams with a confidence in the knowledge and skills that were honed at this institution. We salute the 2015 Distinguished Alumni for raising the bar now and forever.

14 utepmagazine.utep.edu Blanca Estela Enriquez B.S. in Elementary Education, 1979; M.Ed. in Curriculum and Instruction, 1985 College of Education

By Laura L. Acosta

My UTEP education afforded me not only a work study position but“ also wonderful professors who were mentors, and through my education I gained a higher quality of life professionally and personally.

lanca Estela Enriquez, my education I gained a higher quality of life access to quality early learning and embrace Ph.D., grew up in Segundo professionally and personally,” said Enriquez, our national commitment to providing our most Barrio, one of El Paso’s who has three children with her late husband vulnerable children and families a window of oldest neighborhoods in one and high school sweetheart Manuel R. opportunity to a lifetime of self-sufficiency and B of the ’ poorest Enriquez. success.” ZIP codes. Enriquez’s mother,” Maria Vicenta Before presiding over the nation’s Head Enriquez’s experience in high-quality early Navarrete, knew education was the key to a Start and Early Head Start programs in 2015, education also resulted in her appointments successful future and encouraged her daughter Enriquez served as the executive director of the to the Texas State Secretary’s Advisory to attend college. Region 19 Head Start program in El Paso since Committee on Early Childhood Education “My mother always said, ‘My daughter is 1986. During her tenure, the program grew by former Texas Gov. Rick Perry and to the going to the university,’” recalled Enriquez, the from 1,200 preschoolers at 11 sites to 4,500 advisory board for the National Institute for newly appointed director of the national Office children at 31 sites. Literacy by President George W. Bush. of Head Start (OHS). “That was my mother’s In her new role at OHS, Enriquez has Throughout her career, Enriquez has expectation.” continued to fulfill her mother’s dream, laying remained close to the University. She held After graduating in the top 10 percent of the foundation for 1 million children from teaching workshops at UTEP and worked with her class from Bowie High School in 1969, low-income families to achieve lifelong success the University to offer career development Enriquez exceeded her mother’s expectations. starting with school readiness and healthy opportunities for Head Start teachers. She earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary development initiatives. “During all my time as a professional education in 1975 and a master’s in curriculum “As a 30-year champion of Head Start, it is teacher, director and administrator, I always and instruction in 1985 from UTEP. She particularly fitting that Dr. Enriquez is taking have had ties to UTEP in my other community also received a doctorate in education the helm of OHS as Head Start marks its 50th positions,” Enriquez said. “I hope one day to administration and management from New anniversary,” Yasmina Vinci, executive director return to UTEP and either teach or become an Mexico State University. of the National Head Start Association said administrator. I would love the opportunity to “My UTEP education afforded me not in a statement after Enriquez’s appointment. give back to my University.” only a work study position but also wonderful “We have every confidence that Dr. Enriquez professors who were mentors, and through will continue her tireless efforts to promote

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 15 HOMECOMING 2015 Gaspar Enriquez B.A. in Art, 1970 College of Liberal Arts By Lisa Y. Garibay

My education in art helped fulfill my passion and gave me the opportunity“ to mentor students who grew up in the same barrio I grew up in.

he University of Texas at El staggering body of art. His work is included Christian Gerstheimer, curator of the El Paso Paso played a huge role in the in numerous public and private collections – Museum of Art, which presented a retrospective life of a former machinist- including that of actor Cheech Marin – and of the” artist’s work in 2014. “His portraits turned-artist. has been exhibited in San Francisco’s de convey both his versatility of practice and his T Alumnus Gaspar Enríquez Young Museum, the Tucson Museum of Art, strong personal connection and commitment to was born and raised in El Paso’s Segundo The University of Texas at Arlington, and the those he depicts. His influence as an artist and Barrio, but left for California at 18 to help Mexican Fine Arts Museum in Chicago. educator will live on and grow for many years.” support his family working as a machinist. “Gaspar is the rarest kind of treasure for But Enríquez’s influence extends well beyond Even then, education remained a priority, with our artistic community – an accomplished the borderland. Enríquez taking classes at East LA Junior artist with a dynamic career who has received “Gaspar is notable for his dedicated work College while working. national and international attention for his as artist, educator and mentor to many,” said Returning to El Paso in the late ’60s, work and at the same time remained engaged Eduardo Diaz, director of the Smithsonian Enríquez earned a B.A. in art from UTEP in and committed to the local arts community,” Latino Center. “His close connection with 1970 while still working full time. said Kerry Doyle, director of UTEP’s Stanlee his community brings a crisp, generous and “When my late wife and I moved back to and Gerald Rubin Center for the Visual Arts. personal touch to his art. He is a consummate our hometown, she encouraged me to pursue In 2014, an exhibition focusing on craftsman and, in my opinion, our most my life-long dream: a career in visual arts,” Enríquez’s artistic influence upon generations accomplished portraitist.” Enríquez said. “For me, the best way to achieve of artists was held at the Rubin Center. Central And for Enríquez, it was UTEP that laid that goal was to continue my art education. to it was “Ignite,” a mural commissioned by down a path for him that allowed him to get his Because I had to continue working in order to the center and created by a group of Enríquez’s work and wisdom out into the world. afford that, UTEP gave me the best opportunity former Bowie students who went on to “The education I received at UTEP not to work and earn my B.A.” become renowned artists themselves. After the only broadened my fields of knowledge and As he advanced his own artistic practice, exhibition, “Ignite” was permanently installed exploration, it raised my socioeconomic Enríquez remained firmly committed to at Bowie High School in honor of UTEP’s status,” Enriquez said. “My education in art cultivating future generations of local artists by Centennial in 2014. helped fulfill my passion and gave me the teaching at Bowie High School for 34 years. “Gaspar endeavors to raise awareness about opportunity to mentor students who grew up in Outside of teaching, Enríquez created a the U.S.-Mexico borderland experience,” said the same barrio I grew up in.”

16 utepmagazine.utep.edu Renard U. Johnson B.A. in Art, 1970 BBA, 1995 College of Liberal Arts College of Business Administration By Daniel Perez

UTEP professors gave me the foundation and structure that helped me to“ be successful in my business. The knowledge gained in my accounting, marketing, speech and statistics classes has been invaluable.

enard U. Johnson built his marketing, speech and statistics classes has Branch, Providence Memorial Hospital and multimillion dollar company, been invaluable.” Sierra Medical Center, Sierra Providence East Management and Engineering Despite his hectic schedule, the Chicago, Medical Center, and the El Paso Hispanic Technologies” International, Illinois native makes time to support his alma Chamber of Commerce. R Inc., better known as METI, mater on boards, committees and as a vocal fan When not working, Johnson enjoys riding on vision and a strong business plan that he at Miners athletic events. For his successes in his Harley, playing or spending time with developed while a student at The University of business and as a person, UTEP has selected his wife, Caribe, a prominent news anchor and Texas at El Paso. Johnson as one of its 2015 Distinguished 2005 UTEP graduate, and their two young METI is a multitasking, multinational Alumni. children. organization focused on systems engineering, The METI CEO graduated from El Paso’s Friends refer to Johnson’s commitment to information technology, and research and in 1984 and joined the UTEP that stretches from involving faculty and development. Its employees work with federal family business, which was very similar to students in business assignments to his efforts and commercial customers to include the U.S. METI. While Johnson incorporated METI in to get others to join him in investing in the military. 1994, he did not actually open his company institution. Johnson earned his Bachelor of Business until after his parents, Louise and Alvin College of Engineering Dean Richard Administration in 1995 and credits his UTEP Johnson, sold their business in 1998. Schoephoerster, Ph.D., smiles as he speaks education for giving him the necessary skills to The University’s College of Business about Johnson, who he said balances a genuine keep his El Paso-based corporation competitive Administration honored the entrepreneur pleasantness with a Type-A passion for UTEP at an international level. as its 2013 Gold Nugget, the highest honor and his adopted hometown of El Paso. “In my line of business, I am required to use the college can bestow on an alumnus. He “He’s the kind of guy you love to be around,” public speaking, marketing and social skills on has served on the College of Engineering’s Schoephoerster said. “He wants to know a daily basis,” Johnson said. “UTEP professors Advisory Board and recently on the Centennial how things work and what he can do to make gave me the foundation and structure that Campaign Leadership Council. He also serves an impact. I think that’s what makes him helped me to be successful in my business. or has served as a chairman of the board for successful.” The knowledge gained in my accounting, the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas-El Paso

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 17 HOMECOMING 2015 2015 Gold Nugget Award Recipients Sandra Elaine Braham Melissa A. Carrillo James B. Cearley III

M.Ed. in Education B.A. in Journalism, 1989; B.S. in Geology, 1978 Administration, 2002; M.A. in Interdisciplinary College of Science Ed.D. in Educational Studies, 1999 Leadership and College of Administration, Liberal Arts 2005 College of Education In 2014, As a first- Melissa Carrillo generation celebrated college student Sandra her 15-year from a military Elaine Braham tenure with the family, James found success Smithsonian Latino B. Cearley III by helping others Center Institution. received a world- achieve better lives. She She enthusiastically thanks UTEP for class education from the Department of credits The University of Texas at El opening the doors that led her to such Geological Sciences at The University Paso for putting her on that path. a successful career with the largest of Texas at El Paso. Since 2007, Braham has served as museum complex in the world. Thanks in part to the field trips he CEO of the YWCA El Paso del Norte The born-and-bred El Pasoan chose took to geologic outcrops near the region, the largest in the nation with to return to UTEP in 1997 for graduate University, Cearley received numerous an annual budget of $32 million, more work after completing her bachelor’s job offers when he graduated. than 500 employees and services that degree in journalism at the University “Those trips were some of the most impact more than 40,000 people. in 1989. UTEP’s Master of Arts in influential experiences in bringing Prior to that, she worked at UTEP in Interdisciplinary Studies (MAIS) together the concepts I learned in different leadership positions where program allowed Carrillo to further her the classroom and consolidating my she secured more than $20 million studio work as a visual artist as well as understanding of geologic principles,” in federal and state grants to assist empower her cultural studies expertise. he said. “The natural laboratory students, especially first-generation Carrillo described it as “cutting-edge around UTEP differentiates it from college students from low-income and way ahead of even what mainstream many institutions.” families, in activities such as Upward museum curriculum was teaching at the He went on to work for Chevron for Bound, GEAR UP (Gaining Early time.” 35 years, where he finished his career Awareness Undergraduate Programs) The MAIS program and its required as a general manager and also played and CAMP (College Assistance Migrant portfolio afforded Carrillo three back-to- a significant role in deep-water oil Program). back fellowships from the Smithsonian discoveries in the Gulf of Mexico. Braham focuses her attention on that changed her life forever and led her He finds time to give back to the women’s economic empowerment to become director of New Media and college that provided him the education and eliminating racism. She has been Technology for the Smithsonian Latino that kicked off his professional life. As recognized at the local, regional, state Center (SLC) and creative director for a current member of UTEP’s College and national levels for her advocacy the Smithsonian Latino Virtual Museum of Science Advisory Board, Cearley efforts for civil rights, community (SLVM). focuses on alumni outreach and has service and U.S. military veterans. The new technology pioneer has helped establish the Field Geology The native of St. Louis, Missouri delivered keynotes at the J. Paul Getty Experience Fund endowment. said UTEP enhanced her ability to Museum in Los Angeles, presented “The Field Geology Experience Fund think critically and analytically. She virtual installations in Paris, and is important to me personally because stays connected with the University launched the SLVM at the London I want to ensure that future geology as a guest speaker, adjunct professor, School of Economics. students are able to experience the committee member and active alumni Carrillo is always thrilled to proclaim, same rich geologic field environment as association member. “I am a proud Miner!” She even brought I did,” Cearley said. “The academic and professional UTEP with her to Sorbonne University His professional accomplishments opportunities I received through UTEP in Paris when she presented a co-keynote include numerous presentations at helped me provide the empowerment with Disney Animation Studios at the geologic society conventions and programs and support services needed 2015 Immersive Education Summit. publishing the article “Chevron’s by youth and families to pursue their UTEP’s Academic Technologies was Undersea Imaging: Seeing Through American Dream,” said Braham, one of nine representing teams joining Salt” in Forbes magazine. herself a first-generation college Carrillo at the Sorbonne as well as at the student. Disney Institute with activities related to the SLVM.

18 utepmagazine.utep.edu The University of Texas at El Paso and the UTEP Alumni Association are proud to present the 2015 Gold Nugget Award recipients. These outstanding alumni are recognized by each of the University’s colleges and schools for their achievements and dedication. We recognize them because they inspire others – including the current students who will follow their paths, guided by their bold examples.

Irene Chavez Hilda C. Galvan Jean Foret Giddens

B.A. in Political B.S. in Electrical M.S. in Nursing, 1986 Science, 1979 Engineering, 1985 School of Nursing College of College of Liberal Arts Engineering

After As Partner- Earning graduating from in-Charge at a Master of high school, the Dallas Science in Irene Chavez branch of the Nursing from encountered international law The University of some bumps along firm Jones Day, Texas at El Paso the road to reaching Hilda C. Galvan has marked the beginning her dream of becoming a college represented clients in some of their of Jean Foret Giddens’ distinguished graduate. Chavez’s determination most important lawsuits. Galvan has career in nursing academia. helped her overcome those detours and tried complex intellectual property A nationally recognized expert earn a bachelor’s in political science cases before courts across the country in nursing education, curricula and from The University of Texas at El and in the International Trade evaluation, Giddens, Ph.D., was named Paso. Commission for more than 20 years. dean of the Virginia Commonwealth “I was determined to secure a Following her graduation with University School of Nursing in 2013. college degree and make a difference in a Bachelor of Science in electrical While teaching at Eastern New people’s lives by performing worthwhile engineering in 1985, she began work Mexico University - Roswell during work,” Chavez said. as an engineer for Southwestern the mid-1980s, Giddens realized Chavez’s first career choice was Bell. After five years of supervising that earning an advanced degree secondary education, but as a student, at Southwestern Bell, Galvan would allow her to expand her career she worked in the health care field enrolled at The University of Texas opportunities in nursing education. to pay for her tuition and felt she at Austin’s School of Law in 1990. UTEP offered an innovative graduate had found a place she could make a After graduation she took a position nursing program that made it possible difference. at Gibson Dunn and Crutcher, and for working professionals like Giddens She decided to pursue a health care eventually moved to Jones Day. to attend classes on weekends and career and has excelled in the field. “One of my greatest during the summer. Chavez served as the chief operations accomplishments to date is receiving “Had that program not been officer at El Paso’s Providence my electrical engineering degree from available, it is unlikely I would have Memorial Hospital for five years. The University of Texas at El Paso, been able to access the education Afterward, she assumed the CEO particularly at a time when few women needed allowing me to begin my career position at Providence for one year. attempted it,” Galvan said. in nursing education,” Giddens said. Chavez identifies her time at UTEP Today, Galvan maintains a Giddens’ graduate degree also served as a major reason for her success. connection with UTEP. As a lawyer as the stepping stone to her Ph.D. from “My professors inspired me when and hiring partner for Jones Day, Colorado State University. they spoke of integrity, a sound moral she and her law firm partners help Giddens has taken her nursing career compass and our duty to contribute to UTEP students participating in the to new heights. She is the author of society in such a passionate manner,” Patricia and Paul Yetter Law School numerous journal articles, nursing Chavez said. “These are foundational Preparation Institute (LSPI) with textbooks and electronic media in values I call upon daily as I carry out their interviewing skills. In addition, nursing education. She also has served my duties as a health plan and hospital Galvan and her husband, Mike Galvan, as professor and executive dean of the executive.” also a UTEP engineering graduate, College of Nursing at the University of Currently, Chavez is the senior vice have established the Galvan-Contreras New Mexico and as an instructor in the president and area manager of Kaiser Engineering Endowed Scholarship. nursing program at UTEP. Permanente San Jose Medical Center. She continues to thrive in the medical field and still maintains strong ties with UTEP.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 19 Sue Glover Mottinger Sylvia Martinez Lester L. Parker B.A. in Physical Education, 1965 B.S. in Nursing, 1980 BBA in Finance, 1967; College of School of Nursing MBA, 1977 College of Health Sciences As a nurse in the Business At Texas Western neonatal intensive Administration College (TWC), care unit, or Founding Sue Glover NICU, at president, CEO Mottinger, Providence and chairman Ph.D., learned Memorial of United Bank about the Hospital for of El Paso del importance of 13 years, Sylvia Norte, Lester L. serving others Martinez cared for Parker received from the professors critically ill newborns his BBA in finance who inspired her to become a lifelong while offering their parents from The University of Texas at El advocate for equality in education and much-needed comfort and support. Paso in 1967. He entered the Army sports for women. Martinez parlayed that experience that same year. “Professor (Lynette T.) Glardon into opening Altomar, a home health “The lessons in business and always stressed service – service to the care agency, in 2000. Altomar offers management complimented my school, service to your profession and therapy and nursing care at home to military education and greatly service to the community,” recalled infants, the elderly and people with contributed to my success as an Army Mottinger, an educator for 45 years disabilities. officer,” he said. “Those same lessons who graduated from TWC (now UTEP) The company, which started with eight were crucial in my subsequent entry in 1965. “It was upon this foundation employees, has grown to 65 contracted into the business world and as an of advocacy that I built my career as a employees and serves more than 450 entrepreneur.” champion for women’s equality in the clients in El Paso County and southern The local financial pioneer returned classroom and in sports competition.” New Mexico. to UTEP for his MBA in economics Mottinger’s on-campus involvement Martinez attributes her success as and finance, which he completed in with the Zeta Tau Alpha sorority, an entrepreneur to her family’s endless 1977. the Physical Education Majors Club support and the bachelor’s in nursing she Parker’s first professional and as the TWC student intramural earned from UTEP in 1983. experience was farming a single acre director allowed her to develop valuable “UTEP helped me as a first- and selling his produce door-to-door leadership skills that helped her succeed generation college graduate to achieve when he was 14 years old. as a teacher and as an advocate for goals I never would have imagined “It taught me the rewards of gender equality. growing up in a family of 10 children,” hard work, good planning and She always encouraged her students to said Martinez, who was awarded a salesmanship,” he said. excel, first as a public school teacher and scholarship her senior year at Ysleta Parker has a legacy of volunteerism then as an educator at Texas Woman’s High School to attend the University. with dozens of organizations. His University, the College of Charleston in A proud Miner, Martinez has stayed honors include the City of El Paso’s South Carolina and The University of connected to UTEP. As a member of Conquistador Award, Financial Texas-Pan American. the UTEP School of Nursing’s advisory Services Advocate of the Year for Since 2013, Mottinger has helped board, she promotes the school’s guiding the State of Texas from the Small students in UTEP’s College of Health principles of excellence, innovation and Business Association, and the Silver Sciences achieve their educational diversity. Beaver Award from Boy Scouts of goals with support from the Sue Glover In 2011, Martinez was one of America. Mottinger, Ph.D., Endowed Scholarship. 28 influential business figures in “The lessons learned at UTEP were The annual scholarship is awarded to the community whose personal equivalent to those which I could have students in the kinesiology program. commentaries were included in the Paso learned at any university,” he said. del Norte Entrepreneurship Oral History Project, coordinated by UTEP’s Institute of Oral History.

Juan Rivera B.S. in Electrical Engineering, 1975 | College of Engineering Born and raised in El Paso, Juan Rivera was a first- a foundation that later allowed me to pursue a master’s and generation college student who began his path toward doctoral degree,” he said. excellence in engineering at UTEP. Currently, Rivera is the director of Mission 1 Advanced “The UTEP professors mentored and challenged me to Technologies and Applications at Northrop Grumman perform at a world-class level,” Rivera said. “They showed me Aerospace Systems. He is responsible for the development of that I could become better than what I had ever imagined.” electronic and payload space and airborne technologies for After graduating from UTEP with a Bachelor of Science in Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) programs. electrical engineering, Rivera worked on the F-111 and F-16 Rivera also is the vice chairman of the Board of Directors jet fighters at General Dynamics Corporation (now Lockheed of Great Minds in STEM, a nonprofit group that encourages Martin). Afterward, he enrolled at The University of Texas at STEM education in underrepresented communities. He hopes Austin to pursue a graduate degree. He obtained an engineering to continue his successful engineering career while being a role Ph.D. in 1982. model for young Hispanic professionals, all while inspiring “The guidance and trust from UTEP professors created American youth to participate in STEM education. whoFor has spent someone more than 50 years of his career interviewing and writing about other people, Dale Walker is reluctant to put himself in the spotlight. But when you’ve written 23 books and hundreds of magazine articles and have Walker’s contributions to UTEP also been inducted into the Western Writers of have been significant. He helped shape and communicate UTEP’s story through his role as America Hall of Fame alongside Samuel news and information director and editor of what is now UTEP Magazine for more than 25 years. Clemens (Mark Twain), John Steinbeck, He played a significant role in moving UTEP’s relationship with Bhutan from a borrowed Jack London and other iconic American architecture to a personal correspondence with the royal family that resulted in the first writers, it’s hard to stay too far in the Bhutanese student enrolling at UTEP, and he has contributed hundreds of books and manuscripts shadows. to the University Library’s collection. “Books, words are the cornerstone of his life,” said Walker’s friend of more than a half century, fellow El Paso writer Elroy Bode. “I have long admired his talent, productivity, devotion to the written word.” Dale Walker is a biographer, historian, anthologist, newspaper book columnist, reviewer and editor. He specializes in Western American history, military history, 19th and early 20th By Jenn Crawford century journalism and war correspondence, and is a world-renowned expert on writer Jack London. Dale “Dale is content to be a person who writes and is very affable and courteous, but is just not a guy who wants to be the center of attention,” Bode said. Candy Moulton, executive director of the Western Writers of America (WWA), has known Walker for almost 25 years through his Walker: association with the WWA and as the editor of MAN OF MANY WORDS one of her own books. She commended Walker for his knack for research and ability to find sources and stories that others do not. “He takes really in-depth research and he develops a story that is nonfiction, but it’s popular nonfiction and it’s written and created in a way that appeals to any reader,” Moulton said. Pictured above: Dale Walker in the early 1980s, pictured with a book on writer Jack London. Walker “He is a true master wordsmith.” is a world-renowned expert on London’s literature. File photo.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 21 UTEP FEATURES Letters to the Queen

The humble Walker, who was inducted into the WWA Hall of Fame in June 2015, graciously agreed to be interviewed by UTEP Magazine. Perhaps he agreed because he felt a special connection to the publication that he had edited for 23 years when it was called Nova – from its fourth issue in 1966 to its 100th issue in 1989. Even at 80 years old, Walker’s memory of his 27 years at UTEP is incredibly sharp, and he can recall in detail events and people from that period of his life and before. One of the most important events of his tenure at the News and Publications office, now called University Communications, and later his years as director of , was his correspondence with the queen of Bhutan that began in 1967. Walker was the first from UTEP to write to the Bhutanese royal family and make them aware that the University’s unique architecture was designed to look like that of the Land of the Thunder Dragon. UTEP President Joseph Ray had asked Walker to put together a history of the University’s architecture. As part of his research, he sent a letter and a selection of photographs of the campus buildings to Her Majesty Queen Ashi Kesang Wangchuck. It was months before the package reached the queen and more months until her first response reached Walker, but the two struck up a correspondence that eventually led to UTEP’s first student from Bhutan enrolling at the university. In her first letter to him, sent in December 1967, she said: “It is thrilling and deeply moving to see a great new university built in faraway America inspired by Bhutanese architecture.” In another letter received in January 1972, the queen wrote, “The similarity of design and architecture to our dzongs is truly amazing. In the harmonious blending of the old with the modern, there is much to inspire us in turn in the construction of our new buildings and towns in Bhutan.” In 1973, a letter arrived from the royal family requesting that a Bhutanese student enroll at UTEP. Jigme Dorji arrived on campus in the fall of 1973 to study engineering.

“Dale He is believed to be the first citizen of Bhutan to attend an gave the American university and the first to graduate from one. University Dorji would regularly visit Walker in the News and Information offices, which at that time were located in a community former Lambda Chi Alpha lodge facing Hawthorne Street near a magazine the Liberal Arts Building. Walker recalls fondly the smaller, more intimate campus of worth that time. reading...” “It was a nice little school, very pretty, easy to get around Wynn Anderson, former in, the people that I met were all very friendly,” he said. “I still assistant to the UTEP think the prettiest buildings on the campus are the old ones, the president ones that are patterned after Old Main.” Walker had come to Texas Western College, as UTEP was called in the late 1950s, as a student after four years in the Navy. He had grown up in Decatur, Illinois, but came to El Paso to visit his father, who was stationed at . “I was getting ready to go back to Decatur, maybe go to the [University of Illinois]. [My father] said, ‘We’ve got this wonderful, pretty little campus out here,’” Walker recalled. The two men visited the college, and when the registrar told him he qualified for the GI Bill and most of his expenses would be covered, Walker was sold and enrolled at Texas Western. He worked at a local TV station writing news, which paid about $100 a week, while attending school. He graduated in 1962 with a bachelor’s Dale Walker early in his degree in journalism. After three years, he was married and had two career at the University. children with a third on the way. File photo. Texas Western hired Walker in 1966 as the college’s news and information director and editor of Nova magazine. Nova, which means 22 utepmagazine.utep.edu UTEP President Joseph Ray had asked Walker to put together a history of the University’s architecture. As part of his research, he sent a letter and a selection of photographs of the campus buildings to Her Majesty Queen Ashi Kesang Wangchuck. It was months before the package reached the queen and more months until her first response reached Walker...

“new,” was a quarterly publication finishing might have gone to other presses,” Anderson its first year in print when Walker took added. “I think [Texas Western Press] had over. More than once, the magazine was its heyday under Dale.” named the outstanding college magazine Since his retirement from UTEP in 1992, in the region by CASE, the Council for Walker has continued writing. He published Advancement and Support of Education, his last book in 2005 a Civil War biography said Wynn Anderson, former assistant to the titled “Mary Edwards Walker: Above and UTEP President who shared an office in the Beyond,” but he still writes book reviews Administration Building with Walker when for the Dallas Morning News and articles they were both hired in 1966. for magazines “that don’t pay anything but “Dale gave the University community a were good to me when I was trying to get in magazine worth reading,” Anderson said. print,” he said. “Nova was truly a very informative piece “I think I’ve written myself out, pretty about the university. It gave all of our much,” he added. “I’m too old to want to audience information about the university tackle anything on a long-term basis.” that was not heavy handed; it was not just But he still looks back fondly on his time PR. It was a news magazine. This was not at UTEP. just a magazine for people who worked at the “It’s an excellent place to work,” he university or who graduated from here.” said. “It’s the best job I ever had. I love the In addition to his editorship, Walker University and I owe it a lot.” “knew everybody and knew how to get a And the University owes him a lot, too, for story out, and he was a great adviser to his impact over almost three decades. [UTEP Presidents] Arleigh Templeton and “He never toots his own horn, and he Haskell Monroe,” Anderson said. He was never has gotten enough recognition, in my also instrumental as director of UTEP-based opinion,” Anderson said. “He truly is one of Texas Western Press from 1985-89. the greatest writers in El Paso.” “He was so highly regarded in publications, he was able to get works that UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 23 UTEP FEATURES TURNING ON THE VALVE Water Pipeline Revitalizes Rio Bosque Wetlands Park By Laura L. Acosta • Photos by Laura Trejo

The flow of water to the 372-acre park from the neighboring Roberto R. AS THE SUN ROSE ABOVE THE Bustamante Wastewater Treatment Plant varied from year to year, prompting Sproul, the park’s manager for more than 15 years, to improvise during the RIO BOSQUE WETLANDS PARK, summer growing season. JUST NORTH OF THE RIO GRANDE “We have been trucking water to the park since 1999,” said Sproul, as he looked at the sedges and marsh grass peeking out of the water in the river IN EL PASO’S LOWER VALLEY, channel. “It was a manageable activity until 2011, when the combination of drought, lack of available water from the Bustamante plant and a big drop in JOHN SPROUL DELIVERED TANKS the water table forced us to begin trucking water full-time during the growing season.” OF RECLAIMED WATER TO THE Rio Bosque is a wetlands and wildlife preserve owned by the Public DROUGHT-THIRSTY COTTONWOOD Service Board, which overseas El Paso Water Utilities (EPWU). The park has been under the management of the Center for Environmental Resource TREES STRUGGLING TO GROW ALONG Management (CERM) at The University of Texas at El Paso since 1996. Sproul joined CERM as the park’s manager in 1999. THE PARK’S DRY RIVERBANKS. A major challenge for Sproul was getting water to the park during the growing season because after the winter, the treated wastewater from the Bustamante plant was diverted to farmers for irrigation. That changed when EPWU finished construction of a new underground pipeline in March 2015 that released reclaimed water from the Bustamante plant into the wetlands. The new pipeline can potentially deliver water to the park at any time of the year, Sproul said. Since May 1, 4.3 million gallons a day of treated wastewater have flowed into the Rio Bosque, which has helped to revitalize the wetlands and re-

Treated wastewater flows into the Rio Bosque Wetlands Park through an underground pipeline constructed by El Paso Water Utilities in March 2015.

24 utepmagazine.utep.edu John Sproul, the park’s manager, stands next to the pipeline’s valve which was turned on May 1, 2015. establish the native habitats that once thrived near the flood channel. in the Rio Grande valley. Instead of Sproul Restoration efforts also gave life to a having to deliver water to the entire channel bird lover’s paradise. Today 224 species five days a week, the new pipeline has of nesting and migratory land and water reduced his deliveries to smaller areas once birds have made Rio Bosque their home at a week. different times of the year. “By next year it will be noticeably greener A few hours after water began flowing along the channel,” Sproul said confidently. from the new pipeline in May, mallards, “We got a nice head start last year when we black-necked stilts and white-faced ibises had water in the channel all summer. But returned to the newly flooded wetlands. the real obvious changes will be in those With an influx of water reviving the wetland cells. One of them has been dry for wetlands, migrating birds like Wilson’s over a year. Now they’re going to be flooded Phalaropes returned to nest at Rio Bosque consistently for the next five months. Things this summer. will get real lush and green out there.” “When you see them flying from one ponding area to another, you have to be pretty quiet,” advised Mark Worley, a retired middle school teacher who has volunteered In the Beginning at the park for four years. “To see ducks and geese in the quantities that they show Since May 1, 4.3 million up down here, it’s something that you would have to travel to Bosque del Apache Wildlife 1996, a coalition of partners Refuge in New Mexico to usually see.” gallons a day of treated including UTEP, the City of El Paso IN and the International Boundary and Water Commission (IBWC) wastewater have flowed embarked on an ambitious project to restore Turning on the Valve the environmental conditions at Rio Bosque that existed in the El Paso-Juárez river into the Rio Bosque, which valley before the first Europeans settled in the region. uring the winter, a sufficient amount has helped to revitalize the Prior to the river being channelized in the of water flowed from the Bustamante 1930s, a wide bend in the Rio Grande wound D plant to fully flood the wetland cells. through the site, creating a fertile floodplain The rest of the year, the park wetlands ... ecosystem of riverside forests, mesquite struggled to obtain water from other sources. woodlands, and other native habitats that Drought conditions in 2011 caused the water provided refuge and nourishment for animal table at the park to drop approximately 13 life. feet. For the past five years, Rio Bosque has “The foundation for everything we’re experienced unfavorably low groundwater trying to accomplish here is healthy native levels, causing trees and other vegetation to river valley ecosystems,” Sproul said. “They decline. are a really important part of the natural In 2013, a joint resolution between the heritage of this region. They were just City of El Paso and the Public Service tremendously productive areas biologically Board transferred the land to El Paso Water and they’re almost completely gone in the Utilities, which created new opportunities for river valley today.” EPWU to provide reclaimed water from the The project to restore wetlands and other Bustamante plant as needed to restore the native habitats at Rio Bosque began with wetland habitats. extensive site preparation by the IBWC in “Years of river drought and hot, dry 1997 to offset the environmental impacts of summers left little water for irrigation (at building the concrete-lined American Canal Rio Bosque),” said Christina Montoya, Extension. EPWU communications and marketing A burrowing owl perches With the help of students and volunteers, manager. “Our pipeline will provide water on a post a few yards from Sproul began clearing the area of nonnative from May through September. This water the Mexico border in Rio vegetation and planted cottonwood and will help restore wetlands and re-establish Bosque Wetlands Park. willow trees that once dominated the Rio native habitats.” Grande valley. The pipeline, which discharges water into “We did selective plantings, but Mother the river channel and wetland cells through Nature has done most of the work,” Sproul three outlets, is expected to deliver water to said referring to the mixture of native the park through Sept. 30. shrubs, trees and grass that have sprung up UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 25 Cottonwood trees are among the native vegetation that thrives along the banks of the old river channel in Rio Bosque Wetlands Park.

“It’s amazing how the landscape changes just by pulling a few things out of the water that clog up the system. When I started coming here three years ago, none of these green plants were on the banks.”

Maj. Nicholas Rowland field is really important because it reconnects downs over the years, a lot of challenges. Exploring the Possibilities them with nature. They can see firsthand how Throughout, UTEP’s commitment to the natural processes work and how complex and project has never wavered. Without that interesting they are.” steady commitment, we wouldn’t be enjoying all the positive developments we are seeing spur the park’s restoration efforts, today.” CERM developed a Biological To Management Plan for Rio Bosque, Reviving the Wetlands which outlined the goals for John Sproul, (foreground), returning the park to its diverse ecosystem. Mark Worley, (center) and The restoration also set the foundation Maj. Nicholas Rowland, for several environmental benefits, including io Bosque has become a focal (background), pull weeds out of the river channel educational programs, research opportunities, point in the community’s during a community recreation activities and ecotourism. natural landscape. The R workday at Rio Bosque In March 2015, the wetlands served as a park relies heavily on a Wetlands Park. living laboratory for 35 UTEP undergraduate loyal brigade of volunteers who students in the environmental science participate in community workdays practicum class taught by Elizabeth J. Walsh, on the third Saturday of every Ph.D., in the College of Science. Students month. They spend half a day on a collected surface water samples from the variety of projects, from building wetlands for a study monitoring water quality a wheelchair-accessible trail to at the park. They also collected samples from clearing tumbleweeds. the park’s groundwater monitoring wells. “It’s amazing how the landscape Now that the park has a permanent water changes just by pulling a few supply, Walsh will use the baseline data from things out of the water that clog the students’ samples and compare it to the up the system,” said Maj. Nicholas water quality at Rio Bosque over the next few Rowland as he pulled tumbleweeds years. out of the river channel to clear a Walsh, a biological sciences professor, was path for the water to flow during a on the Rio Bosque’s initial scientific advisory recent community workday. “When board when the park was developed. I started coming here three years She has mentored several graduate students ago, none of these green plants who conducted a large part of their research were on the banks.” at Rio Bosque. A recent project focused on a For Sproul, the new pipeline new species of rotifer – microscopic aquatic reduced the number of trips he animals – found in the wetlands. had to make this summer to fetch “Most people don’t realize that wetlands water. However, a lot of work are teeming with all forms of life and remains to be done. how many of these organisms have really “By its nature, the restoration interesting adaptations that allow them work at Rio Bosque is a long- to live in aquatic habitats in the desert,” term undertaking,” Sproul said. Walsh explained. “They also make important “Natural systems develop over contributions to the overall biodiversity of our time. We’ve had a lot of ups and region. Having students do research in the

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 27

UTEP FEATURES THE PLACE I FOUND ME Renowned Spanish Dance and Culture Professor Rita Triana Retires

By Lisa Y. Garibay

Administrative Secretary of Track Katie Jensen doesn’t know what she’s going to do without the thumping above her office that she heard regularly for three decades. The resounding steps came from the dance shoes of adjunct professor and Spanish dance expert Rita Triana, who retired in spring 2015. She began teaching at The University of Texas at El Paso in 1980. “In Spain that used to be the only noise a female could make – her heels on the floor, the castanets in her hand,” Triana explained of the flamenco that she taught hundreds of students during her career. Triana’s course was cross-listed under Chicano Studies and Kinesiology. It attracted a range of students from football players to science majors, as well as faculty. Some of them were shocked that they were asked to dance during class, but many of them were happy to do so by the end of the semester. “I never asked them to perform for me because that’s so personal,” Triana said. “That way they weren’t afraid to come and think they would be judged. I always said, ‘Don’t worry what you look like on the outside; it’s what you feel on the inside that counts.’” Dennis Bixler-Márquez, director of Chicano Studies, was grateful that Triana Photo by J.R. Hernandez by J.R. Photo developed and offered a Spanish dance curriculum, which enabled students to learn or further develop a key dimension of Hispanic culture. “She attracted not only people who gave something a shot but also those who never would have had a chance to do something like this as well as people who’d had some dance training and mastery of body language,” Bixler-Márquez said. Born to Spanish parents in New York, Triana started ballet training with noted Russian dancer-choreographer Michel

28 utepmagazine.utep.edu Fokine at the age of eight. Her professional her classes, but also other dance classes at career began when she was chosen by famed institutions both within the U.S. and around choreographer David Lichine to tour Europe the world. “STUDENTS with his company. While performing in “I couldn’t let my husband go without a Madrid, Triana became fascinated with flourish,” she said. “It was not only his own WOULD TELL Spanish dance. personal history, it was a history of a time.” Performers there told her that if she Before and after Antonio Triana’s death, ME, ‘I WAS wanted to learn from the best, she had to go Triana worked hard off campus, too, back to the United States and find Antonio choreographing the Spanish and Flamenco Triana, a Spanish immigrant who had taught dance sequences of “Viva El Paso,” the A LITTLE many of them. She became the pupil, partner annual outdoor drama depicting the history and later the wife of the renowned Antonio of the borderland. As chair of the Dance DEPRESSED Triana, who was arguably the first to create a Division of the Texas Association of Physical formal Spanish dance company that took this Education and Dance, she presented lectures TODAY, BUT NOW cultural tradition out of its native land. and workshops at their conventions in Corpus The two earned critical acclaim both in Christi and Dallas, Texas, and Anaheim, the U.S. and abroad over their 25 years of California. I FEEL BETTER.’ dancing together. They even appeared in films Triana has no intention of bringing things and television specials, including “Around The to a full stop despite her retirement. She THAT TO ME IS World In 80 Days” and NBC’s “Gene Kelly wants to write another book and still dances Special.” constantly, at least at home. THE JOY AND The Trianas made many friends passing Her vivacity and flexibility belies Triana’s through El Paso and Juárez while driving age and the fact that she has been dancing for from Los Angeles to Mexico City. They almost 80 years. What keeps her going? THE TRIUMPH thought it would be the perfect place to retire. “It’s that love of the bam bam,’” Triana They also wanted to get away from the smog said, stomping her heel on the floor of OF TEACHING. ” of Los Angeles and raise their children in a Holliday Hall one more time with passion. smaller place. And so the family relocated to Rita Triana the border and Rita Triana began teaching almost immediately at UTEP. She was invigorated by the opportunity, recalling that she had always been known as a wife and mother before then but that UTEP was “the place I found me.” She joked that Bottom, left: The Trianas’ children Antonio II and as she approached age 80 toward the end of Felipa grew up immersed in Spanish dance, music her teaching career, she would always write and culture. Photo courtesy of Rita Triana. “911” before anything else “in case I didn’t make it through class.” Bottom, right: Rita and Antonio Triana dancing “But the dance itself gives you energy,” together during their professional heyday. she continued. “Students would tell me, ‘I Photo courtesy of Rita Triana. was a little depressed today, but now I feel better.’ That to me is the joy and the triumph of teaching.” Along with dance, Triana’s family was her main source of joy. Her son Antonio Jr. plays flamenco guitar for companies that pass through Los Angeles and dance instructors who teach there. Her daughter Felipa, who

Photo by J.R. Hernandez by J.R. Photo is also a strong dancer, was a longtime local news anchor and now is the executive director of El Paso Pro Musica. “My children thought that everyone danced,” she said, describing how friends who were dancers, guitarists and pianists would visit their home and play long into the night. The only break that Rita Triana took from teaching at UTEP was during the year when her husband was ill. He died in 1989. To honor his work and life, Triana gathered his memorabilia and wrote “Antonio Triana and Spanish Dance: A Personal Recollection” (Hardwood Academic Publishers, 1993). The book was incorporated not only into

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 29 UTEP FEATURES

Public Art Contributes to Campus Transformation By Esmeralda Treviño

In celebration of its Centennial, The University of Texas at El Paso completely revamped the atmosphere of its now pedestrian-friendly campus. However, the remodel did not stop at construction and Mandala Sunrise renovation – several public art pieces have been added to the Photo by Laura Trejo aesthetic of the University. The Millennium Marker

esigned by retired art professor Willie Ray Parish, the “Millennium Marker” was a gift to the University for its D Centennial Celebration. The and white sculpture with wings that move in the breeze stands tall on the grass knoll outside the Health Sciences and Nursing Building at Wiggins and Rim roads. “I’m hearing that people are liking it as a sculptural form,” Parish said of the initial reaction to his piece. “I didn’t have a particular desire or expectation for the viewer except for the hope that they would find it interesting and compelling in some way.” Cognizant of 20th century modern art, Parish created a work of art that would bridge the artistic themes of the 20th and 21st centuries. “It seemed significant that we were leaving one segment of time and entering another,” he said. Installed in March 2015, “Millennium Marker” was dedicated to the University in celebration of its 100-year anniversary.

The Mandala Sunrise

ocated in the roundabout at Glory Road and Sun Bowl Drive, “Mandala Sunrise” represents a Tibetan sand mandala L carried by the wind, returning to nature as a kaleidoscope of colors in the sky. Thirty-six powder-coated aluminum poles of different lengths are topped with translucent, crescent-shaped resin substrate hands of various colors that appear to reach up and change color throughout the day. Colorful light-emitting diode (LED) lights illuminate the structure at Millenium Marker night. The work is set in native rocks within a 32-foot diameter. Seattle artist Koryn Rolstad was inspired to create “Mandala Sunrise” after she visited UTEP in the spring of 2013. The Bhutanese architecture, multicultural setting and student-centered atmosphere continued on page 37 30 utepmagazine.utep.edu Pullout

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 31 UTEP FEATURES

Centennial plaza pullout

32 utepmagazine.utep.edu Centennial plaza pullout

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 33 Centennial plaza pullout allowed her to envision the work. Rolstad has a background in architecture, engineering and fine arts, and her public art can be seen internationally. “I think ‘Mandala Sunrise’ is fun, and I see the looks of the people who post their pictures (with it) on Instagram,” she said. “They look happy.” “I knew exactly what I was going to do,” Rolstad said at the ceremony for the completion of the $4.8 million expansion and enhancement of Sun Bowl Drive. “This whole project is not only dedicated to the Bhutan culture and the Latin culture with the bright colors, but also to engineering, which exemplifies UTEP.”

Esfera Cuántica Tlahtolli

Centennial gift to the University from the people of Mexico, “Esfera Cuántica Tlahtolli” is one of UTEP’s A newest public art pieces to be displayed on campus. World-renowned Mexican sculptor Sebastián designed the work specifically for UTEP. Located in front of the Fox Fine Arts Center, “Tlahtolli” is a spherical sculpture with a surface resembling swirl shapes similar to that of a rolled-up scroll. The orb-like sculpture has courtesy of Donald Lipski Rendering intersecting lines forming two X’s that intertwine to symbolize the relationship between UTEP and Mexico as well as the X’s in the names of Texas and Mexico. The Cloud On the opposite side of the globe, edges of pointed surfaces shape a spiral portraying the ancient Aztec, Toltec and Mayan symbol of verbal communication. The monument stands about 13 feet tall and he Schuster roundabout is 13 feet wide. Sebastián has a range of talents such as architectural located at Spur 1966 will design, painting, jewelry making, public art, costume design and soon be home to a new multimedia production. The sculptor’s unique, large-scale pieces have T sculpture. The City of El Paso carried his reputation as a groundbreaking artist across the world. selected award-winning artist Donald Lipski to create the public art for the centerpiece of the roundabout. “The Bhutanese architecture of the campus inspired me,” Lipski said. “The Esfera Cuántica Tlahtolli idea of the moving panels was inspired by Bhutanese prayer flags and the dramatic skies of El Paso.” Lipski is creating a floating, shimmering cloud of steel. The structure will emerge from the sunken roundabout that acts as a below-grade pedestrian crossing. The work’s three cloud-shaped panels will be formed from thousands of small, steel flaps that move with the wind. Lipski enlisted Artist in Residence and UTEP alumna Xochitl Rodriguez to help him create the piece. To ensure the sculpture resembled a perfect cloud, Lipski asked Rodriguez to photograph clouds around El Paso. He chose what he thought was the perfect shape to transform into what will be known as “The Cloud.” “Bhutan is known as the kingdom in the clouds,” said Patricia Dalbin, public art program manager for the City of El Paso. “It’s a great piece for the University setting. Clouds cross borders; they don’t belong to anybody. They belong to everyone.”

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 37 UTEP FEATURES New Student Housing Complex Promotes Student Engagement UTEP senior Alexis “Lexie” Lubbers said her decision three years ago to live on campus has paid off socially, academically and even professionally. The latest benefit was being hired to work in The University of Texas at El Paso’s newest student housing complex.

By Daniel Perez

The 103,606-acre compound borders a natural arroyo about a stone’s throw from UTEP’s Helen of Troy Complex. Photo by J.R. Hernandez

he $23 million Miner with her faculty mentor and allowed her same service allows information to be stored Canyon opened in to become more involved in student groups on mobile devices and shared in classrooms. August 2015 on 6.2 such as SACNAS (Society for Advancement The commons building includes a 10-seat acres at the north end of Hispanics/Chicanos and Native Americans computer lab and a 1,320-square-foot of campus beyond the in Science), the Miner Ambassadors and the meeting hall that will have 5.1 surround T Helen of Troy Softball UTEP chapter of the American Chemical sound, three 55-inch high-definition Complex. The two four-story residential Society. televisions and a retractable 139-inch buildings located adjacent to a winding “I am very excited to be living in Miner projection screen. arroyo have a combined 83 furnished units Canyon,” she said. “I think the dorm layout “It’s a little over the top, but this place that will accommodate 352 students. will create a greater sense of community. was designed to be a recreation area,” said The 103,606-square-foot complex, I’m grateful to be part of this new Glen Kelley, UTEP audiovisual supervisor. which includes a large one-story commons experience.” “It’s a little bigger and better than watching building, combines the latest in technology Construction began in spring 2014 and TV in your room.” with a traditional dormitory design that finished in summer 2015 just in time for The residence halls’ common areas promotes more face-to-face contact as students to move in. They filled the units – centrally located lounges and corner requested in student surveys. that ranged from one-bedroom efficiencies study rooms – are among the campus’ An El Paso native and biochemistry to four-bedroom suites that accommodate up best wireless access points. Students can major, Lubbers is among the few students to six students. The living areas have vinyl hook into the 48-inch video screens during to have lived in all three of UTEP’s existing flooring and textured walls, the cabinets impromptu meetings for fun or academics. residences. The other complexes are the have dark wood veneer and the bathrooms When not in use, the screens default into more apartment-like Miner Village and have tiled floors and showers. Each room UTEP Today message boards. The study Miner Heights, which opened in 2001 and comes with a bed, desk, desk chair and areas, or “collaboratories,” also have 2010, respectively. three-drawer chest. movable furniture so students can create “Living on campus is one of the best Among the highlights of Miner Canyon their own workspace. The living areas are things that ever happened to me,” said is its $215,000 state-of-the-art audiovisual hardwired for those with desktop computers Lubbers, who will serve as a program package that includes Wi-Fi and Internet or gaming systems. assistant at Miner Canyon. Her proximity Protocol television that allows residents to “This is state-of-the-art housing,” to campus facilitated her weekly meetings record and replay shows at their leisure. The said Charlie Gibbens, Ed.D., director of

38 utepmagazine.utep.edu The two four-story residential buildings, including the distinctive boomerang-shaped Residential Hall One, will accommodate 352 students and boost the number of students living on campus to almost 1,000. The complex includes a community building that was designed with a kitchen, computer lab, staff offices, conference room and a 1,320-square-foot “This is state-of-the- meeting hall that will have a retractable 55-inch screen, surround sound art housing. It has all and built-in microphone system. It is part of the amenities that the the complex’s robust $250,000 audio-visual students asked for that package that includes Wi- Fi and Internet Protocol they will need to be television, which uses Internet cable to provide successful.” lower-cost, higher quality reception. Charlie Gibbens, Ed.D., director of Residence Life Photo by J.R. Hernandez

Residence Life. “It has all the amenities that Students gave numerous reasons for their Fabian Barragan said he wanted to live the students asked for that they will need to decisions to live on campus. Among them on campus to expand his comfort zone. The be successful.” were to create a larger, more diverse circle 2011 graduate sought to The residential buildings, including one of friends, enhance access to classrooms and be around people from different cultures and shaped like a boomerang, follow UTEP’s academic resources such as the University philosophies to gain their perspectives. The signature Bhutanese architecture. Each has Library and the copy centers, and improve senior multidisciplinary studies major lives in laundry facilities on the second and third academic focus while saving money by not Miner Canyon and will serve as a residence floors and are secured with self-locking doors having to worry about a vehicle. Others life intern. to the buildings, dorms and bedrooms. Miner described desires to “spread their wings” He said the experience has helped him Metro Shuttles serve the students, who also and “become more responsible.” mature. He excelled in academics and joined will have access to a bike share plan. The list does not surprise Gary Edens, several student groups and served as UTEP Gibbens pointed out that students who Ed.D., vice president for Student Affairs. He chapter president of the Alpha Lambda Delta live on campus often earn better grades, lived in UTEP’s Kelly Hall (1985) and Barry honor society. He also has spent time as a complete their degrees faster and get more Hall (1986) while earning his bachelor’s in residence assistant in Miner Heights as a involved in campus and community service business administration in 1990. He came to sophomore. activities. He said positive peer pressure El Paso from Germany where he lived with “I thought it was exciting,” Barragan and ready access to academic resources are his U.S. military family. The self-described said. “I think of it as the start of a new possible reasons. former introvert said moving away from his century of housing at UTEP.” His assertions are backed by a 2013 parents was difficult. The opening of the new complex brings the study by UTEP’s Center for Institutional “Living on campus helped with the number of students living on campus to 988. Evaluation, Research and Planning that transition and allowed me to become fully The University is creating a neighborhood showed living on campus positively affects engaged in the campus experience,” Edens master plan that it expects to complete by student graduation rates, especially among said. “I made many new friends and was the end of 2015. at-risk students. The investigation found involved in student organizations and the students were more focused on their studies, Union Programs Office. Being on campus 24 more involved in campus research and took hours a day really focused my energies and more semester credit hours than they may efforts on school. I had a lot of fun, but I have otherwise attempted. always knew that academics came first.”

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 39 UTEP FEATURES Terry Scholarships are well-known across Texas for providing a truly exceptional educational experience for talented, high- achieving students, and UTEP is extremely pleased to join the Terry Scholarship family.” Diana Natalicio, UTEP President

Fifteen high school seniors received extraordinary news in the spring when they learned they had earned full-ride scholarships to The University of Texas at El Paso. Dubbed Terry Scholars, the students represent some of the El Paso area’s finest emerging talent and were selected based on leadership potential, “ character, scholastic record and ability, and financial need. The new opportunity is possible because of the generous support of the Terry Foundation, whose goal is to support student attendance at the state’s finest public universities. The foundation hopes selected scholars will have a significant impact on the future leadership of Texas and the nation. “We are delighted to announce the wonderful opportunities created for entering UTEP students though our new partnership with the The Terry Foundation Board of Directors helps continue the legacy of Howard and Nancy Terry Terry Foundation,” said UTEP President Diana by enabling deserving young people across the State of Texas to achieve their dream of a higher Natalicio. “Terry Scholarships are well-known education. Photo courtesy of the Terry Foundation. across Texas for providing a truly exceptional educational experience for talented, high- achieving students, and UTEP is extremely pleased to join the Terry Scholarship family.” As long as the students maintain strict scholastic requirements, the scholarships will THE cover their tuition, fees, books and room and board through all four years at UTEP. The 15 Terry Scholars also will have the opportunity to TERRY request additional funding for a study abroad semester. The Terry Scholarship will continue being offered to incoming freshman for the next four SCHOLARSHIP years. By 2018, a total of 64 Terry Scholars will be enrolled at the University. “Having Terry Scholars on the UTEP campus GENEROUS GIFT FUNDS 15 FUTURE MINERS will give a huge boost to our academic and extracurricular efforts,” said Gary Edens, By Nadia M. Whitehead Ed.D., vice president for student affairs. “I truly appreciate the Terry Foundation’s commitment to invest in the talented young people of Texas and, in particular, in high-achieving students who will be attending UTEP.”

40 utepmagazine.utep.edu THE TERRY SCHOLARSHIP MEET THE SCHOLARS

Mariah Alvarez Andrea Arizpe Valle Verde Early College High School Intended Major: Microbiology Intended Major: Biology or Biochemistry

What are you most looking What are some of your greatest skills? forward to at UTEP? “I’m fluent in four languages: English, Spanish, French and “All the opportunities, like meeting new people, working in labs, being Turkish. I rank 10th out of a class of 660 students, a part of student government and jumping into classes that apply to my am a member of Mathletes and am captain of the school’s varsity swimming team.” major. Oh and living on campus. It will be like I’m an official adult; I’ll have to fend for myself.” What are you most looking Why did you decide to attend UTEP? forward to at UTEP? “At the beginning of my senior year, I had wanted to go to Texas “I’m looking forward to getting to know the campus and being Woman’s University in Denton, but after touring colleges during spring very involved in student organizations and clubs to help animals. break, I fell in love with the UTEP campus.” My tour of UTEP got me really excited to be a part of the great research that takes place there. Researchers are studying things like cancer and I’m excited to get hands-on experience.”

Joselyn Contreras Yessica Delgado Mountain View High School Clint High School Intended Major: Business Intended Major: Biology

What are you most looking What are some of your greatest skills? forward to at UTEP? “I’m a natural leader and an outspoken person who stands for “After obtaining a master’s degree, I hope to someday what I believe in. I have an undying faith in the ability that open my own nonprofit organization that will be for the sole you can accomplish whatever you set your mind to. I know purpose of helping needy families in El Paso. I then would UTEP can help me fine tune these abilities as well as benefit like to expand my organization to a nationwide level. Later from them once I start joining organizations.” in life, I plan to go back to school to obtain a degree in missionary studies to someday fulfill my dream of traveling What are your career goals? the world, while at the same time preaching the word of God “I’ve been accepted into A-PRIME TIME, UTEP’s premedical to developing nations and aiding them with basic needs such as program. I plan to earn an M.D. in the field of obstetrics and food, clothing and possibly shelter.” gynecology and hope to one day open my own practice.”

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 41 MEET THE SCHOLARS

Alejandro Diaz Carlos Diaz Parkland High School Intended Major: Intended Major: Engineering Math and Biochemistry

What are your career goals? What is your intended major? Why? “I wish to pursue a career as a research scientist in the field of “I’m pursuing mechanical engineering. I really like machines and biostatistics, through which I hope to accomplish my aspiration the different aspects involved in designing them. My dad is in a of making a positive change in our world. The prospect of motorized wheelchair, so I know that I want to build things that immortalization in the form of a discovery, as well as my could better peoples’ lives.” obsession with learning, makes becoming a research scientist an attractive future.” What has been your biggest accomplishment so far? What are you most looking “I’m interning at a local engineering and architecture firm forward to at UTEP? assisting with the design of a solar-powered farm that could “I am looking forward to being a part of the BUILDing provide electricity to the El Paso International Airport. I also was SCHOLARS program at UTEP. It comes with a promise of nominated by a Texas state senator to attend NASA’s High School research opportunities under a mentor. Furthermore, we will be Aerospace Scholars class.” given the chance to conduct a 10-week research project at one of the program’s partner institutions.”

Daniel Garcia Marcel Gilley Parkland High School Parkland High School Intended Major: Engineering Intended Major: Mechanical Engineering

What are you most looking What’s your intended major? Why? forward to at UTEP? “This fall I plan to major in mechanical engineering, which will be a “One of the main things I’m looking for this upcoming year is building block for my master’s and eventual doctoral degree in aerospace being an active participant of the Terry Foundation at UTEP. engineering. Ever since I can remember, I have always been fascinated I think it’s going to be a great experience. Being part of the with space and the miraculous secrets it holds. I dream that maybe one foundation for the first year at UTEP is breathtaking. day I can be one of the people to discover something astonishing.” The fact that I’m in great company with other amazing students and professionals is surreal.” What are your greatest skills? What do you bring to UTEP? Why did you decide to attend UTEP? “My greatest skill set would have to be that I am a well-rounded “Besides UTEP being one of the top research universities, individual. I have the ability to grasp concepts quickly and with ease. I I wanted to go to UTEP because there is so much growth and am no stranger to hard work and dedication as I experienced high school potential on this campus. I personally believe UTEP has grown varsity sports as well as the challenge and rigor of Parkland High School’s so much and is a top university. I want to be a part of the T-STEM academy and AP courses.” ongoing growth and development at the University.”

42 utepmagazine.utep.edu As long as the students maintain strict scholastic requirements, the scholarships will cover their tuition, fees, books and room and board through all four years at UTEP.

Fernanda Guerra Elizabeth Martinez Franklin High School Jefferson High School Intended Major: Nursing Intended Major: Civil Engineering

What’s your intended major? Why? What are you most looking My intended major is nursing. I chose this because of my sister. She forward to at UTEP? was born with a brain tumor and had to go through chemo ever since she “I am looking forward to studying outdoors at was a baby. The nurses who helped her inspired me to do the same with UTEP’s Centennial Plaza.” other children. My grandmother and my aunt also inspired me to become a nurse since they also are nurses who I look up to. What’s your intended major? Why? “I am majoring in civil engineering because I love utilizing my What are your career goals? math skills and creativity to create massive structures. My career “I would like to become a nurse in pediatric oncology in order to help goals include earning a master’s degree in civil engineering and other children who are going through treatment — the way that my sister rendering my services to the gorgeous and growing city of El Paso was helped in her time of need.” or the state of Texas.”

Melissa Murillo-Sanchez Victoria Nevarez Clint High School Chapin High School Intended Major: Education Intended Major: Nursing

What’s your intended major? Why? What’s your intended major? “I chose a degree in education and interdisciplinary studies because Why? of the numerous rewards that it gives in the long run. Teachers get “My intended major is nursing. I debated over whether the incredible joy of seeing the difference they make in a student’s life becoming a doctor or a nurse was the right path for – both academically and mentally. As a teacher, I will aid my future me and I finally set my mind on nursing because of the students to gain new insights, become more interested in subjects and close connection a nurse has with his or her patients. learn about themselves and others.” I truly want to help babies and children, along with their families, not only medically, but emotionally What are your greatest skills? and spiritually as well. I am thrilled to work under What do you bring to UTEP? the supervision of Dr. Elias Provencio-Vasquez and to experience the amazing nursing program UTEP has “I consider myself a leader who likes to take charge when it comes created.” to making things happen. I enjoy working in groups of people, interacting with others, and most importantly, being a volunteer to make a difference in my community.”

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 43 MEET THE SCHOLARS

Rebecca Ortiz Leanna Peru Andress High School Mission Early College High School Intended Major: Math Intended Major: Speech Language Pathology

What are you most looking What are you most looking forward to at UTEP? forward to at UTEP? “I am eager to continue my education, something I am “I am most looking forward to living in the new dorms, Miner Canyon, grateful to have the opportunity to do with the support of the this upcoming fall. I believe that living on campus will make it easier Terry Foundation. I also am eager to grow closer to my fellow for me to become highly involved on the UTEP campus. I look forward colleagues and create memories as well as contribute to the to the accessibility of making new friends, joining organizations, visiting community through service.” the Student Recreation Center and the short commute to classes that the dorms will allow.” What are you most looking forward to at UTEP? What are your career goals? “My career goals might come off as simple: get my degree, pass “I plan to become a speech-language pathologist at a military hospital or the placement exam for a teaching certificate and finally, get a facility. Growing up with strong military roots, I’ve learned that every day job. But my craving is to be more than a teacher. I want to be a there are soldiers who fight for their lives in order to protect our country mentor, or someone my future students look up to. I want to be and many of them come back as wounded warriors. Many soldiers suffer an encouraging figure in a student’s mind so that they accomplish from brain damage, strokes, heart attacks and various other conditions what they are meant to accomplish.” that could possibly affect their speech. I am grateful for the things that service members do for our country, and the fact that I could make a positive contribution to their well-being and help restore them to their original conditions in terms of speech is something that I really want to be a part of.”

Angel Rodriguez Jefferson High School Intended Major: Political Science

What are your greatest skills? What do you bring to UTEP? “I truly appreciate the Terry “Some of the most valuables skills that I possess and intend to bring to UTEP were inherited from my JROTC participation Foundation’s commitment to and experiences. These skills include my ability to cooperate with others effectively, my leadership capabilities and the fact that I am willing to apply myself invest in the talented young to any situation where my assistance is required.” people of Texas and, in particular, What is your intended major? Why? “After an abundance of research and contemplation, in high-achieving students who I’ve decided to major in political science with a focus on international affairs. The reason I’m taking this route is because I plan on joining the U.S. Army with an aim of will be attending UTEP.” becoming a Military Intelligence Officer.” Gary Edens, Ed.D., vice president for student affairs 44 utepmagazine.utep.edu “ Established in 1986, the Terry Foundation is the enduring legacy of its founders Howard and Nancy Terry, a couple committed to higher education in Texas.

Howard Terry’s dedication to academics and football in the midst of the Great Depression earned him a rare scholarship that allowed him to attend The University of Texas at Austin. Following his graduation in 1938 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, Howard Terry never forgot the assistance that the scholarship provided him. He spent the first part of his career building several businesses in real estate, oil, lumber and banking. Nancy Terry, who studied nursing at the University of Rochester, joined Howard to begin a philanthropic partnership that lasted more than 40 years. During the second part of their lives, the couple made it their mission to ensure that deserving Texas high school students received the same opportunity as Howard Terry had to attend and excel in college free from financial worry. The idea, Howard Terry once declared, “is that the student won’t have to take out loans or work through his four years in college, so that he can concentrate on school.” The Terry Foundation awarded its first scholarships in 1986. By 2015, the foundation had grown to include 13 Texas universities, including The University of Texas at El Paso, and was the largest single private source of scholarships in Texas. For the 2015-16 academic year, the Terry Foundation will award 353 four-year awards and 200 three-year awards totaling more than $20 million, of which 15 awards went to UTEP students. The value of the foundation’s contribution to UTEP alone should total over $3 million by the time the first cohort graduates in 2019. This spirit of philanthropy defines the core values of the Terry Foundation. Applicants must possess not only strong academic credentials in high school, but also demonstrate leadership at school and in the PROFILE IN GIVING community. All recipients must be Texas residents, commit to live on campus their freshman year and remain on a four-year graduation track. Terry Scholars must attend three mandatory events each semester hosted by the organization. Designed to THE foster comradeship, these gatherings serve to create a lifelong network among Terry alumni. Both Howard and Nancy Terry passed away in TERRY 2012. At the time of their deaths, the couple had already given away more than $100 million in scholarships to over 2,600 Texas college students. Their continued legacy, which now includes UTEP, FOUNDATION lives on in each new generation of Terry Scholars. By P.J. Vierra

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 45 1. 2. UTEP Alumni Shine in Texas

Legislature By Lisa Y. Garibay 3.

Whether stationed full-time in Austin or splitting time communications director Sito Negron, who received a bachelor’s degree in broadcast between the state capitol and their hometown, graduates journalism in 1990; legal intern Ana Martinez, from The University of Texas at El Paso tirelessly a 2012 political science bachelor’s degree contributed to the work of Texas’ 84th legislative session. recipient; and deputy legislative director Daniel Collins, who received his bachelor’s degree in “As a UTEP graduate, I have been able to take my skillset and my education to serve my communication in 2008 before completing law community in many capacities,” said Texas Rep. César Blanco (District 76). He graduated from school at The University of Texas at Austin. UTEP in 2005 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. Collins previously worked for two other In June, Blanco was named one of Texas Monthly magazines Best Legislators and Freshman of senators as an analyst and communications the Year by the Mexican-American Legislative Caucus. Fellow UTEP alumni working in his office director. He credited his UTEP experience with are field representative Brandon Guzman, a 2011 bachelor’s in psychology recipient, and Karla helping him secure his first job in the legislature Muñoz, a policy analyst who graduated in 2009 with a bachelor’s degree in political science. right out of college. Doriana Torres, who received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees from UTEP in 2011 and “During my course of study I not only 2013, respectively, served as a Moreno-Rangel Fellow for Rep. Mary Gonzales (District 75). developed strong professional writing skills, but Gabriella Marquez, who received a bachelor’s degree in political science in 2014, and Joshua also learned important problem-solving skills,” Baca, a 2012 bachelor’s and 2014 master’s graduate, were awarded the Sen. Gregory Luna Collins said. “I learned how to ask difficult Legislative Fellowship. Marquez worked for Sen. Carlos Uresti (District 19), and Baca served in questions, research and analyze different sources Lt. Governor Dan Patrick’s office. of information, and develop a nuanced point While at UTEP, Baca spent the first half of his senior year as one of 32 UT System Bill Archer of view on disparate subjects. These are the Fellows, earning college credit while interning and taking classes on policy, economics and bedrock skills of a policy analyst.” persuasion in Washington, D.C. Ana Gonzalez, who received her bachelor’s “My education at UTEP instilled in me a pride in community and a genuine desire to serve the in political science in 2010 and is now district greater El Paso community and our state,” Baca said. He said his volunteer experience on and off director for Rep. Joe Moody (District 78), campus not only helped his career but also gave him a greater awareness of the pressing issues in credited her success to UTEP’s quality education his community. provided to a diverse student population. Alumni working in the office of Sen. José R. Rodriguez (District 29) were district and

46 utepmagazine.utep.edu “We have a binational location that helps us “We have a experience multicultural issues in the U.S.- Mexico border region, unique qualities that binational UTEP graduates have,” Gonzalez said. Rounding out the strong group was Summer location that helps Luciano, who received her bachelor’s degree in English in 2005, and served as a legal intern us experience with the office of Rep. Trey Martinez Fischer (District 116). multicultural UTEP alumni also served outside the offices issues in the U.S.- of elected officials. Jennifer Fidler, a 2011 bachelor’s in criminal justice graduate, worked Mexico border as a document processing technician with the Texas Legislative Council. Caroline Stone, who region, unique graduated in 2012 with a bachelor’s degree in communication, was a bill analyst. qualities that UTEP For UTEP students seeking to follow this path, Blanco advised, “Get involved, either by graduates have.” volunteering or participating in an internship. I started off interning in a legislative office Ana Gonzalez, district director after joining the military and using my GI Bill for Rep. Joe Moody ( District 78) to attend UTEP. That experience allowed me to see all the work that goes into working the legislature first through casework and talking to constituents.” Many of the alumni stressed the importance of having an open mind. Marquez recalled expressing her interest in health care on her first day in the office, but was assigned to work on bills in oil, gas and elections, which ended up becoming her biggest accomplishments. When thinking back on what helped to prepare him most for his role in the state capitol, Collins said, “I most value the work and internship opportunities my professors 4. encouraged me to apply for.” He said his prelaw studies at UTEP helped him get accepted to law school and secured him internships with a legal nonprofit, with a federal judge and with the Texas Senate. His Senate experience turned into a full-time job. “Taken together, these experiences helped me appreciate my home state like never before, and instilled in me a profound feeling of connection and responsibility to Texas and El Paso,” Collins said. Blanco added, “I am grateful for the opportunities provided to me that came from earning a high-quality education at home. 5. UTEP taught me that is important to give back to the community that I grew up in.”

1. Senior staff from Rep. Joe Moody’s office outside the Capitol include from left to right: Chief of Staff and General Counsel Ellic Sahualla, State Rep. Joe Moody, Legislative Di- rector Jen Shugert, and District Director and UTEP alumna Ana Gonzalez. Photo by Adrianne Riley Photography. 2. Daniel Collins, left, with Sen. José Rodriguez. Photo courtesy of Daniel Collins. 3. Gabriella Marquez, Sen. Gregory Luna Legislative Fellow, serves with the office of Sen. Carlos Uresti (District 19). Photo courtesy of Gabriella Marquez. 4. Joshua Baca, left, poses with Lt. Governor Dan Patrick. Photo courtesy of Joshua Baca. 5. Texas State Rep. César Blanco. Photo courtesy of 6. César Blanco. 6. Sito Negron, right, with Sen. José Rodriguez. Photo courtesy of Sito Negron. UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 47 UTEP RESEARCH A Lasting Research Center Continues to Thrive Legacy: After 20-Plus Years By Nadia M. Whitehead • Photos by Laura Trejo

oheil Nazarian, Ph.D., had approachable demeanor has made CTIS a hit Civil Engineering. “A lot of times, centers pop big dreams when he started a with young engineers; the center supports and up and then disappear, but this one has been transportation-focused center at The trains as many as 50 students at a time to sustained for more than 20 years.” S University of Texas at El Paso. assist with its hefty stack of research projects. CTIS’ success can be attributed to a number “We were to start off small and very CTIS laboratories are equipped with of things – good leadership, innovative faculty concentrated,” said Nazarian, reflecting modern soil, pavement and geotechnical – but its influential research and the impact it back on 1993, the year that he and Miguel testing equipment for conducting advanced has on budding engineers may be key. Picornell, Ph.D., founded UTEP’s Center for dynamic and static laboratory tests. Transportation Infrastructure Systems (CTIS). “I always tell people that we have the Research that Counts “But the goal was to slowly build ourselves best facilities between College Station and Its national and international reputation and up by expanding our scope and strengthening Phoenix,” Nazarian said. CTIS’ faculty experience in transportation, our research. At the same time, we wanted to In 2014, the center received its biggest specifically in the area of pavements and remain dedicated to our students.” national recognition yet – it was chosen by nondestructive testing, is a major reason why Twenty-two years later, it’s safe to say the the U.S. government as the only research the center has maintained its long standing. dream has blossomed. center in the country to be a member of both a In his early career, Nazarian and his CTIS consistently brings in $2 million of national and regional university transportation partners at UTEP developed the Portable research funding a year for projects related to center. The designation means CTIS is capable Seismic Pavement Analyzer (PSPA), a hand- pavements, railroad tracks, tunnels, bridges of tackling research related to national and held device used to obtain the properties of and highway safety. A playful advertisement regional transportation infrastructure. concrete and asphalt pavements in a matter of mimicking Uncle Sam’s famous poster “I “This is one of the longest-standing centers seconds. The PSPA technology received a Top want you for the U.S. Army” calls UTEP at UTEP that demonstrates a consistent 10 Research Innovation award from the Texas undergraduates to action, encouraging them level of success year after year,” said Cesar Department of Transportation and its patent is to get involved with this research. That Carrasco, Ph.D., chair of the Department of owned by UTEP. Nazarian’s research efforts have supported six full-time research engineers and produced From left: Student more than 80 graduates to date. researchers Jose Luis One of his recent projects involved Arias, left, and Alejandra evaluating new roadway technology for the EScajeda, center, work Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). alongside Soheil Nazarian, Highway pavement evaluations are normally Ph.D., director of UTEP’s conducted at night so traffic won’t be stalled. Center for Transportation Bright orange cones pop up after sunset to Infrastructure Systems. protect engineers as they evaluate the health of some of the country’s busiest roadways. Nazarian’s team looked at equipment that could be used without impeding traffic. “Along with other partners, we spent time evaluating a special vehicle with lasers that analyzes the road’s health as it drives,” Nazarian said. “The U.S. government is interested in this technology, but they wanted someone to evaluate its effectiveness first.” By driving at the same speed as traffic, the vehicle doesn’t hinder traffic flow and keeps workers safe. But best of all, it works. The study found the vehicle was quite effective at highway speeds. CTIS submitted their findings and recommendations to the FHWA. The decision of the technology’s uptake now rests in FHWA’s hands. 48 utepmagazine.utep.edu Research Center Other UTEP faculty who significantly Continues to Thrive contribute to transportation-related research are Vivek Tandon, Ph.D., associate professor of civil engineering; Reza Ashtiani, Ph.D., After 20-Plus Years assistant professor of civil engineering; and Ruey “Kelvin” Cheu, Ph.D., associate professor of civil engineering. Carlos Chang, Ph.D., associate professor of civil engineering, also burrowed into his fair share of CTIS research over the years. He currently studies the consequences of delaying highway maintenance, including its impact on users and the physical condition of highway assets. Budget constraints often delay road maintenance and lead to transportation employers after she graduated. Jurado is now CTIS consistently brings in $2 million infrastructure deterioration. Chang likens this a pavement and materials engineer working of research funding a year and is able to to preventive medicine gone awry. for the FHWA. She oversees the state of support and train as many as 50 students “If someone wants to be in good condition Colorado’s highway division. at time. Together, students and faculty when they’re 80 years old, they don’t start Haggerty, who now is San Antonio’s district conduct research related to pavements, taking care of themselves when they are in materials and pavement engineer, oversees a railroad tracks, tunnels, bridges and their 70s; by then, it’s too late.” staff of 17. highway safety. Chang’s study will quantify the impacts “Now that I’m a supervisor making of neglecting infrastructure, like weakening hiring decisions, I see how competitive it bridges and increased vehicle emissions, to is out there,” said Haggerty, who holds a help highway agencies make better decisions. B.S. in industrial engineering and M.S. Transportation agencies could improve their in civil engineering from UTEP. “I look road regulations based on CTIS’ findings. for people with more than a degree, but the professors are some of the smartest people practical experience. CTIS gives students that they have ever met. Student Success opportunity.” After graduating, Jurado and Haggerty Undergraduates involved in this research Both Jurado and Haggerty worked within didn’t just disappear and move on with their come out ahead when they graduate. UTEP CTIS as student researchers, but they did lives, even though they live across the country. engineering alumni Monica Jurado and Brett more than assist with studies. They took They frequently come back to visit campus and Haggerty can attest to that. field trips to the Texas Department of share big life events like wedding dates and “CTIS opened several doors for me,” said Transportation, networked during FHWA new little family members. Jurado, who holds a B.S. and M.S. in civil conferences and visited potential employers “I really do owe a lot to the center,” Jurado engineering from UTEP. “Books don’t teach like Jobe and Cemex. said. “There’s a real sense of camaraderie you everything, so what I learned in the Faculty like Nazarian and Imad Abdallah, in CTIS, so much so that I still have a good classroom, I got to carry out and perform in Ph.D., associate director of CTIS, continue to relationship with everyone there; you can’t the lab.” provide mentorship to the two alumni who say find that just anywhere.” That hands-on experience impressed

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 49 UTEP RESEARCH Researchers Dig for Information

About Border Tunnels By Laura L. Acosta

In the early morning of June 25, 2010, U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents discovered an underground smuggling tunnel connecting a drainage ditch in Juárez, Mexico, to a storm drain in El Paso, Texas. The crude 2-by-2-foot tunnel, which stretched 130 feet underneath the concrete-lined section of the Rio Grande, is the only documented cross-border tunnel found in El Paso. Yet, tales of tunnel smuggling in the region date back to the early 1900s when Mexican revolutionary Francisco “Pancho” Villa was rumored to have used passageways hidden beneath the streets of El Paso to travel to and from the United States undetected. “If you look at how close in El Paso is to the border of Mexico, it wouldn’t be too far to assume that it could have happened,” said Emilio Morales, a graduate from The University of Texas at El Paso, referring to a geocoded map that pinpointed a suspected tunnel in Pancho Villa’s former home in the historic Sunset Heights neighborhood near UTEP. In 2014, Morales, then a graduate student in the University’s Intelligence and National Security Studies program, collaborated with researchers in UTEP’s National Center for Border Security and Immigration (NCBSI) to create a comprehensive geospatial database of interconnecting tunnels in the El Paso region. Under the direction of principal investigator Kyle Susa, Ph.D., a former UTEP faculty member, and Victor M. Manjarrez Jr., associate director of NCBSI, Morales applied his investigative training to identify subterranean tunnels along a 60-mile stretch of the U.S.-Mexico border from Santa Teresa, New Mexico, west of El Paso, to Fort Hancock, Texas, east of El Paso. Homeland Security Investigations (HSI), a division of the Department of Homeland Security’s U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), commissioned the study to aid in their efforts to investigate and apprehend individuals who use cross- border tunnels for illegal smuggling. Since 2001, more than 100 tunnels have been uncovered along the U.S.-Mexico border, mostly in Arizona and California. From sophisticated structures equipped with lighting and rail systems to storm and drainage ditches, these underground passageways have increasingly been used to smuggle illegal narcotics, money, weapons and people into the U.S.

50 utepmagazine.utep.edu This type of clandestine criminal activity prompted the Department of Homeland Security to deem illicit cross-border tunnels located in the Southwest of the U.S. a significant and growing threat to border security. “ICE was interested in the subterranean features under El Paso,” said Manjarrez, Victor M. Manjarrez Jr., associate a former U.S. Border Patrol sector chief. director of NCBSI, and UTEP “There are several entities in the El Paso graduate Emilio Morales, created region that have this information, but no a comprehensive geospatial one had ever collected it all until now. We database of subterranean tunnels met with everyone from the El Paso County in the El Paso region. The database Water Improvement District to conspiracy will be used to aid ICE’s efforts theorists. Now we know what’s going on below to investigate and apprehend us. And the beauty is that ICE can share individuals who use cross-border this information with other law enforcement tunnels for illegal smuggling. entities.” Hernandez by J. R. Photo For their investigation, UTEP researchers focused on three forms of subterranean “When this project was completed, we in a cluster of buildings in downtown El Paso tunnels: underground infrastructure, including briefed it to a joint group of Department designed by renowned architect Henry Trost. storm drains and water lines; man-made of Homeland Security and federal law These basements were believed to have served tunnels created by the criminal element; and enforcement stakeholders and then turned as opium dens in El Paso’s long-forgotten mine shafts and caves. the GIS database over to them,” explained Chinatown, which was located in a section Researchers scoured open-source material Michael Smith, Ph.D., NCBSI director. “They bordered by Mills, Stanton, El Paso and on the Internet for any mention of suspected now have, for the first time, a comprehensive, Fourth streets in the heart of Downtown. tunnels and gathered pre-existing map geocoded map of tunnels and underground In addition to Pancho Villa’s former home and database information of tunnels from features that could possibly be exploited by on Prospect Street, several homes located in agencies including El Paso Water Utilities, smugglers or other criminal organizations.” the Sunset Heights neighborhood also housed the Texas Department of Transportation, Morales spent hours at the UTEP and underground basements. The most popular is the International Boundary and Water El Paso public libraries analyzing maps of an apartment building called the Turtle House, Commission (IBWC) and the El Paso Fire the region. He read books on Pancho Villa which features chambers and hallways that Department. and newspaper articles about underground were used to smuggle Chinese immigrants into Based on the information they collected, passages dating back 100 years. the U.S. from Mexico in the late 19th century. researchers developed a database of addresses “We brought all these different sources For Morales, the project was an excellent and coordinates of subterranean tunnels together to make a broad picture of tunnels opportunity to apply the different analytical that included drop inlets, conduits, channels, in El Paso,” said Morales, who earned his techniques and methodologies that he pump stations, manholes, dams, IBWC gates, master’s degree in May 2015. “The whole learned at UTEP, while obtaining real-world culverts and water lines that were 18 inches in idea behind this was to help ICE get a better experience as an analyst. diameter or wider. understanding of the environment of where “I think of intelligence (analysts) as the Using global positioning system software, they’re operating.” Sherlock Holmes of the government,” Morales ICE plotted the latitude and longitude of these Morales also investigated rumors of said. “They have to think outside the box tunnels to see their location on geographical suspected tunnels, which led to his discovery to find solutions to unique problems. That’s software, such as Google Earth. of a network of interconnected subbasements essentially what I did.”

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 51 UTEP RESEARCH Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre Pierre by Ivan Photo Grants Roundup

Between April 2015 and June 2015, The University of Texas at El Paso received research grants to study a range of topics. The following is a sampling of grant research started during that three-month period.

52 utepmagazine.utep.edu Verification of Artificial Pancreas Control Science Algorithms.” He will study computer-based Ricardo A. Bernal, Ph.D., associate professor methods to test the safety of artificial of chemistry, received a grant from the pancreas prototypes that deliver insulin to National Institutes of Health National diabetic patients to minimize the need for Institute of General Medical Sciences to costly clinical trials. identify and characterize structural changes that result from point mutations (a single The U.S. Missile Defense Agency presented nucleotide base change in DNA or RNA) Norman Love, Ph.D., assistant professor that lead to hereditary spastic paraplegia of mechanical engineering, with a three- and Mit-CHAP-60 disease, which are two year grant to study HAN-based advanced neurodegenerative disorders. hybrid rocket motor technologies. HAN is short for Hydroxylammonium Nitrate, part In order to seek out, nurture and train honors of a propellant combination. Hybrid rocket students in the biomedical disciplines of motors may enhance propulsion for ballistic biology, chemistry, physics and mathematics, missile defense applications. Among the other Keith H. Pannell, Ph.D., professor of possible benefits are lower development and chemistry, received a grant from the NIH production costs. Co-principal investigators Institute of General Medical Sciences. The are Ahsan Choudhuri, Ph.D., department funds will help support the students’ research chair and professor of mechanical activities in the laboratories of The University engineering, and Evgeny Shafirovich, Ph.D., of Texas at El Paso’s finest research faculty associate professor of mechanical engineering. for a period of up to 24 months via stipends, research supplies and attendance at scientific meetings. The ultimate goal of the program is Health Sciences to have the participating students enter and Delfina C. Domínguez, Ph.D., professor of graduate from the finest research institutes in clinical laboratory sciences, and co-principal the U.S. with a doctorate in their chosen field. investigator XiuJun “James” Li, Ph.D., assistant professor of chemistry, received a The National Science Foundation approved a grant from the American Society for Clinical grant for Elizabeth J. Walsh, Ph.D., professor Laboratory Science to develop a multiplex of biological sciences, to support one microfluidic platform - a device that will student doing research on the evolutionary integrate multiple DNA sequences onto a tiny relationships among rotifer families. Rotifers microchip - to identify multidrug-resistant are minute multicellular aquatic animals that organisms. are important because of their roles in the microbial and classical food webs. Environment A multidisciplinary team at UTEP has Education received a grant from the National Institute Sarah Peterson, Ph.D., associate professor of Food and Agriculture to study climate of educational psychology and special change scenarios and their impacts on the services, received funding from the American Las Cruces, El Paso and Juárez regions that Educational Research Association to collect surround the Rio Grande basin. William data related to the national “Do the Write Hargrove, Ph.D., director of UTEP’s Center Thing” program that uses essays to empower for Environmental Research Management middle school students who witnessed or (CERM), is the project’s principle experienced violence. The work will begin in investigator. Josiah Heyman, Ph.D., director January 2016. of UTEP’s Center for Inter-American and Border Studies (CIBS), serves as the project’s co-principal investigator. UTEP will distribute Engineering the grant funds among the participating The National Science Foundation awarded institutions, which include New Mexico State Fraser Cameron, Ph.D., research assistant University, Texas A&M University – El Paso, professor of mechanical engineering, a the University of New Mexico, Michigan three-year grant to research “CPS: Synergy: and the Universidad Autónoma de Ciudad Collaborative Research: In-Silico Functional Juárez.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 53 UTEP ATHLETICS

COSMAS COLINE BOIT COESSENS Class: Junior Class: Sophomore Sport: Cross Country Sport: Hometown: Eldoret, Kenya Hometown: Brussels, Belgium Major: Criminal Justice Major: Business

Cosmas Boit is key to the cross country and track and field Coline Coessens was a major contributor on the court last teams’ success. The junior has been named to the Conference season for the Miners, earning Conference USA All- USA Cross Country First Team during each of his first two Freshman honors. The outside hitter started in 26 matches years on campus. The Kenyan native will be on a veteran team and played all six rotations for UTEP. The Belgium native this fall that is a favorite to win the C-USA Cross Country led UTEP in kills (279), service aces (19) and points (325). Championships. In spring 2015, he won his first outdoor As a freshman she tallied a team-high 10 double-double conference title in the 800-meter run at the 2015 C-USA performances and chipped in 224 digs, 43 total blocks and Championships with a time of 1 minute 50.57 seconds; he also 16 assists. She registered two matches with 20 or more kills registered a fourth-place finish in the 1,500-meter and a sixth- and in 13 matches led UTEP in kills. Coessens recorded a place showing in the 5,000-meter run. career-high 25 kills against UAB and secured a career-best 18 digs versus Florida International University.

54 utepmagazine.utep.edu MINER MANIA Cosmas Boit, Coline Coessens, Bri Barreiro and Aaron Jones. Remember these names – these Miners are poised to do great things on the field and on the court this fall. Photos by J.R. Hernandez Photo by J.R. Hernandez

BRI AARON BARREIRO JONES Class: Junior Class: Senior Sport: Soccer Sport: Football Hometown: El Paso Hometown: El Paso Major: Pre-business Major: Kinesiology

In 2014, Aaron Jones became the first underclassman to lead One of the most skilled players on the roster, El Paso native Bri the team in rushing in back-to-back seasons since John Harvey Barreiro plays a key role for The University of Texas at El Paso (1985-86). The El Paso native was named 2014 Earl Campbell soccer team. She has played in 34 career matches, including 28 Tyler Rose Award semifinalist, All-C-USA second team, Texas starts. Last year she battled through injuries to tie for second Football Running Back of the Year and Texas Football Player of on the squad in assists (four) while placing third in both goals the Year honorable mention. He started in 12 games, helping the (three) and points. As a freshman, she pitched in a goal and team to its first bowl appearance since 2010. The running back assist while starting 12 of 15 tilts. Barreiro has been an example led the team in rushing yards (1,321), rushing scores (11), points in the classroom as well. She is a two-time recipient of the (84), yards per game (110.1), attempts (242), total touchdowns Conference USA Commissioner’s Academic Medal (2014 and (14), all-purpose yards per game (134.5) and receiving 2015) while landing on the C-USA Commissioner’s Academic touchdowns (three). Jones ranked 24th among all Football Bowl Honor Roll both years as well. Subdivision players in yards per game and 26th in rushing yards. He became the first sophomore in UTEP history to rush for 200-plus yards in a single game.

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 55 UTEP ALUMS

Dear Alumni,

The Alumni Association is proud to announce the successful launch of new alumni networks across the country, which has enabled the Association to develop more opportunities to engage alumni.

I would like to thank Dr. Willarda Edwards for her leadership and commitment to the Alumni Association as president this past year. Dr. Edwards is the first Alumni Association president to serve from outside of El Paso. Despite residing in Baltimore, Maryland, she logged many miles traveling back to El Paso monthly to attend various alumni and University events. We are so fortunate to have committed volunteers like her as well as our board members, chapter/network officers, committee chairs and committee members who are so gracious in giving of their time, talent and financial resources to serve this great University. We would not be able to successfully advance UTEP without the support of our dedicated and committed volunteers.

Alumni engagement is critical to the University, especially when it comes to keeping us informed about your professional success. It is important for us to know what our alumni are doing and how they are contributing to the nation. Therefore, I am calling on all alumni to update their current information and provide a quick summary of how UTEP has shaped their lives.

Each of you has played an important role in the life of this University and we want to stay connected with you. Please take a moment to share with us information about your career and let us know if you would be willing to serve as a mentor to our current students. You can do this by completing a brief online form at alumni.utep.edu/mentor- program. I look forward to hearing your stories.

Go Miners!

Richard J. Daniel, Ph.D. Associate Vice President for University Advancement and Special Projects Executive Director for Alumni Relations

56 utepmagazine.utep.edu A 2011 alumna, Priscilla Trujillo now works at Delphi’s Michigan headquarters. Photo courtesy of Priscilla Trujillo. Engineering Grad Driving Ahead in Auto Industry

By David Chavez Since elementary school, Priscilla Trujillo coaxial, USB, low-voltage differential has loved math and science. Although the signaling (LVDS) and safety restraint subjects were difficult for her at times, systems. she enjoyed finding solutions to problems. Trujillo’s work has been significant in the Once she enrolled in classes in mechanical underhood electrical centers and prefuse engineering design and architecture at assemblies in General Motors’ midsize Franklin High School, Trujillo’s love for math cars. She received the Detroit Free Press transformed into a love for architecture and newspaper’s Automotive Leadership Award engineering. in the Up-and-Comer category in 2015. After graduating high school, Trujillo was Trujillo credits much of her success to her torn between the two fields. Her decision studies at UTEP. about a college major was difficult until “UTEP provided not just the technical she spent a summer in Michigan with and educational foundation, but also a her uncle, who worked as a mechanical strong work ethic, which provided me with engineer for Delphi, a leading global supplier the foundation to come into the real-world of technologies for the automotive and workforce and excel,” Trujillo said. commercial vehicle markets. While flourishing as a top engineer at “He showed me some of his work, job Delphi, Trujillo takes the time to encourage locations and what it’s like to work as an women and Latinos to consider engineering engineer,” Trujillo said. “That helped me as a career option. She helped develop the make my decision as I came back to register Delphi Latino Team in Action, which provides at the University (of Texas at El Paso).” resources for personal and professional When Trujillo graduated with a Bachelor growth for Latino employees. She also is an of Science in mechanical engineering from active member of the Society of Hispanic UTEP in 2011, she started working at the Professional Engineers and a contributor Delphi facility in Mexico before transferring to Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE) to Delphi’s Michigan headquarters. International. Trujillo’s passion for engineering “Being bilingual and able to understand has not diminished. The 28-year-old is different cultures makes a huge difference,” currently Delphi’s data connectivity product Trujillo said. “What we are able to engineering manager. She develops and accomplish helps future generations implements electronic-device cables for a understand that any human being is capable variety of uses in automobiles, including of making a difference in this world.”

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 57 UTEP ALUMS

UTEP Nurses in the Business of Caring By Laura L. Acosta

or more than 40 years, the graduate nursing program at The University Joe Garcia, DNP, left, and Pamela Gearn, UMC F of Texas at El Paso has assistant nurse manager. Photo by Laura Trejo prepared highly successful health care executives whose knowledge and confidence is transforming the The Face of Success business of health care in the Paso On a wall in Sally Hurt-Deitch’s office del Norte region. hangs a picture of a UTEP billboard featuring As the role of nursing expands Hurt-Deitch 15 years ago. At the time Hurt- to meet the delivery of health care Deitch was a rising star in the nursing field. services to diverse populations, The billboard was part of a campaign that graduates from the Master featured successful UTEP graduates from all of Science in Nursing (MSN) disciplines. For Hurt-Deitch, the billboard was program at UTEP are shifting also a sign of great things to come. their focus from direct patient care Today, Hurt-Deitch has become the top to leadership positions in health Elias Armendariz, left, and Josue Menchaca, UTEP executive at Sierra Providence Health systems across the United States. student assistant. Photo by Laura Trejo. Network. As the network’s market chief Since 2005, 465 professional nurses executive officer, Hurt-Deitch oversees have prepared for postgraduate Providence Memorial Hospital, Providence roles in advanced practice and specialty areas “The nursing profession has so many Children’s Hospital, Sierra Providence East through UTEP’s three MSN majors: nursing opportunities,” Armendariz said. “(Nursing) Medical Center, and the construction of a new education, nurse practitioner and nursing has created so many avenues to expand hospital in Northwest El Paso. systems management. your roles and responsibilities, to expand For Hurt-Deitch, becoming a nurse was In El Paso, MSN graduates serve as your knowledge base, and to expand your more than a job; it was a calling. When nursing executives and hospital administrators experiences. The sky’s the limit when you Hurt-Deitch was in the fifth grade, her mother of six of the city’s acute care hospitals. become a nurse.” was diagnosed with an autoimmune disease “The UTEP School of Nursing has a major Earning a Master of Science in Nursing which sparked Hurt-Deitch’s desire to make a role in impacting the health and wellness Administration (now nursing systems difference in health care. of our community,” said SON Dean Elias management) from UTEP in 2006 prepared “When you’re called to be a nurse, you’re Provencio-Vasquez, Ph.D. “Our talented Armendariz to take his career to the next called to step in and hold a hand; (offer) faculty are preparing the next generation of level. comfort or encouragement at some of the health care providers and nursing leaders After serving in various management most vulnerable times in people’s lives,” who will shape the future of health care in positions at University Medical Center for 10 said Hurt-Deitch, who was awarded UTEP’s the Paso de Norte region and beyond. We are years, Armendariz joined the leadership team Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013. She very proud of our alumni whose success is a of the Children’s Hospital 10 months before earned a bachelor’s degree in nursing and validation of the SON’s efforts to educate the the hospital opened in 2012. In addition to a master’s degree in nursing administration best and the brightest nurses.” his role as chief nursing officer, Armendariz from UTEP and a master’s degree in health These are a few examples of the many assumed the responsibilities of the hospital’s care administration from Trinity University. outstanding UTEP nurses who are driving chief operating officer in 2014, which “That was what UTEP gave to me, was that hospital care in our community. included managing the day-to-day operations purpose behind the degree,” she said. of the 122-bed pediatric hospital. “I take my role very seriously and I’m The Sky’s the Limit certainly honored and humbled to be able First Step to Success Elias Armendariz worked his way from to be representing not only the Children’s Joe Garcia, DNP, began his nursing being a bedside nurse to becoming the chief Hospital but also representing the care that career more than 20 years ago as a nursing operating officer and chief nursing officer of we provide the children of this community,” assistant in the emergency room at RE the El Paso Children’s Hospital. Armendariz said. Thomason General Hospital. Since then, the public hospital has changed its name to

58 utepmagazine.utep.edu Preparing Strong Leaders As the chief nursing officer at for eight years, Cindy Stout, DNP, directs all clinical areas to ensure the safety and quality of patient care. “UTEP is the organization that gave me the skills necessary to be a strong leader; to think broadly in terms of project analysis and implementation,” said Stout, who graduated from UTEP with a master’s in nursing administration in 1994. “I had some great faculty instructors … they provided a great foundation and gave me the foresight to think more critically in a leadership role.” During her 18 years at Del Sol, Stout has spearheaded collaborations between Cindy Stout, DNP, left, and Del Sol Scholars from UTEP. Photo by Laura Trejo. UTEP and the hospital that have enhanced educational and employment opportunities for new and future nurses. Most notably is the Del Sol/UTEP University Medical Center (UMC) and Garcia internship program, which provides hands- has moved up the proverbial career ladder to on clinical experiences for nursing students become UMC’s chief nursing officer, one of in their final semester of the undergraduate the hospital’s highest nursing management nursing program. To date, more than 100 positions. interns who have gone through the program The El Paso native credits his education as have been employed by the hospital. the stepping stone to a rewarding career. “We want to make sure that our staff “The impact that UTEP has had on my understands that we have created an life is that it gave me the education and the atmosphere that’s really family focused and tools that I needed to succeed in the field of that they feel it’s not just a place for them nursing,” said Garcia, who has led the daily to work, but it’s a place for them to come as operations of UMC’s nursing department since part of our Del Sol family to take care of our 2014. patients,” Stout said. After earning an associates degree in nursing from El Paso Community College, Watch these nursing leaders share their stories Garcia was promoted to clinical coordinator of UMC’s radiology department in 2004, on on the UTEP School of Nursing’s YouTube the condition that he continue his nursing channel at YouTube.com/UTEPSimLab education. Garcia earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing from UTEP and a Doctor of Nursing Practice from Texas Tech University School of Nursing in Lubbock. At UMC, Garcia oversees 25 departments and more than 1,000 employees. He estimates that 90 percent of the hospital’s nursing staff graduated from UTEP. “At University Medical Center, (nursing students) will see things that they may not see at other hospitals,” Garcia said. “When you combine the education that is obtained at UTEP with real life experiences, then you get a true learning experience.” Sally Hurt-Deitch. Photo by J.R. Hernandez

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 59 UTEP ALUMS Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre Pierre by Ivan Photo ALUMNI PICK-NIC Miner Nation Celebrates Fourth Alumni PICK-NIC By Esmeralda Treviño

Thousands of alumni and friends of The Relations, the PICK-NICs took place In El Paso, UTEP alumni and friends University of Texas at El Paso celebrated on Saturday, July 11, 2015. The Miner gathered at Memorial Park to reminisce Miner pride across the country and Nation also celebrated in Alabama, about their time at UTEP and create around the world at the fourth annual Colorado, Massachusetts, New Mexico new memories. They had plenty of fun Alumni PICK-NIC. More than 25 PICK- and Pennsylvania. The Alumni PICK- and games with face painting, karaoke, NICs took place internationally from NIC is an event where people can come a watermelon-eating contest and water New York to the Kingdom of Bhutan. together to celebrate UTEP as well as to games. There also was a magic show, a Hosted by UTEP’s Office of Alumni connect with fellow Miners. balloon artist, and a visit from Paydirt

Continued on p. 62

60 utepmagazine.utep.edu PARTICIPATING CITIES

CHICAGO DALLAS/FORT WORTH

AUSTIN LUBBOCK

Miner Nation Celebrates Fourth Alumni PICK-NIC

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 61 EL PASO Pete and the UTEP Cheerleaders. Everyone enjoyed hamburgers and hot dogs while spending time with their Miner family. In Austin, the PICK-NIC helped reunite a group of alumni who had not seen each other in 46 years. “People are becoming more aware of the PICK-NICs and are looking forward to engaging with alumni,” said Richard Daniel, Ph.D., associate vice president for University Advancement and Special Projects. “The PICK-NICs create a warm sense of family and left first-time attendees feeling excited to attend this

Photo by Ivan Pierre Aguirre Pierre by Ivan Photo annual tradition each year.” Alumni in Chicago held their PICK- NIC at the Kane County Cougars WASHINGTON, D.C. METROPLEX Ballpark. Guests enjoyed refreshments as they reminisced on their days at the University. The Kane County Cougars’ mascot joined in on the fun and sang the UTEP with PICK-NIC attendees. “This event has grown to be a signature outreach event that engages thousands of alumni on the second Saturday of July and we hope it will continue to cultivate friendships and SAN ANTONIO build camaraderie among UTEP Miners everywhere,” said Margie Brickey, coordinator for chapter development at UTEP’s Office of Alumni Relations. Please continue to follow the Alumni Association at www.alumni.utep.edu to attend tailgates, viewing parties and receptions in your area.

62 utepmagazine.utep.edu PARTICIPATING CITIES

MIAMI LOS ANGELES

ZAPOPAN, MX TUCSON

SEATTLE

SAN FRANCISCO

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 63 UTEPALUM ALUMNINOTES Compiled by Alysha Brady

1950s...... years of experience in government, transportation in the art category. As an artist and educator, her Maureen Lofberg (B.S. ’58; B.S. ’63) was inducted and engineering. career has focused on celebrating Chicano culture into the El Paso Commission for Women’s Hall of by representing the common bonds of cultural Fame in the science and health care category. The Manny Ontiveros (B.A. ’71; MPA ’85) became the practices, heritage, family values and religion. purpose of the El Paso Commission for Women is president of the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame. In to pursue a positive course of action for achieving 1997, he joined the hall, whose mission is to honor Irene D. Ramirez (BSCE ’82) was appointed as the equal rights and responsibilities for women. all athletes who have brought great credit upon city engineer of El Paso, becoming the first woman themselves and El Paso County through their to hold this position. She has more than 30 years of athletic fields of endeavor. experience with the city and has served as interim 1960s...... city engineer since 2013. Harry Flournoy (B.A. ’69), senior captain of the Paul Pearson (B.S.Ed. ’75; M.Ed. ’78), All- 1966 NCAA championship team, was American track athlete and long-time educator, was Alma Trejo (B.S. ’87) was elected as the inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame. inducted into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame in administrative judge for the Council of Judges, He led the team in rebounding his junior and senior the Living Athlete category. composed of the county and district judges. During seasons and remains one of the team’s leading all- her two-year term, she will conduct the council’s time rebounders. William G. Putnicki (B.A. ’70) recently retired meetings, establish committees and serve as the after 21 years as District Clerk in the United spokesperson for the judges. Mario T. Garcia (B.A. ’66; M.A. ’68), a professor States District Court for the Western District of of history and Chicana/o Studies at the University Texas and 36 years of combined federal service. of California, Santa Barbara, created a collection He is now engaged in the exclusive practice of 1990s...... of oral histories from 13 successful, young, Latino, immigration and nationality law with his wife, San David Almonte (BBA ’91; MBA ’04) retired from the first-generation college students titled “The Latino Juana, in San Antonio, Texas. El Paso City Manager’s office after a 20-year career Generation: Voices of the New America,” published working for the city in budget and finance positions, by The University of North Carolina Press. most recently as the deputy city manager...... Pat Mora (B.A. ’63; M.A. ’67), an El Paso native, 1980s Bob Bassuk (BSN ’91) joined Sierra Providence won the Best Children’s Picture Book award from Rey Chavez (B.A. ’87) was named new director Health Network as the market director of the Texas Institute of Letters for her book “I Pledge at KTSM Channel 9. Over his 30-year career, he occupational health. He has 10 years of experience Allegiance,” which she co-wrote with her daughter. has worked at Telemundo, Univision and other new and previously served as nursing supervisor of channels around the country. occupational health for William Beaumont Army Medical Center. Roger Gonzalez (BSME ’86; M.S. ’90; Ph.D. ’94), 1970s...... professor and chair of engineering education and Ismael de Anda III (UTEP, BFA ’96; California Ruben Dominguez Jr. (BSEE ’79), former UTEP leadership at UTEP, was inducted into the College Institute of the Arts, MFA ’00), visual artist and track star, was inducted into the El Paso Athletic of Fellows of the American Institute of Medical educator at the Los Angeles County Museum of Hall of Fame in the Living Athlete category. and Biological Engineering. He was selected for Art and the Museum of Latin America, has been his innovation in engineering education and the selected to exhibit his work at Sala Subterraneo Rich Downs (B.S.’75, M.Ed.’79) retired from development of low-cost prosthetics for the in Chihuahua for the 2015 Pasaje Victoria the Hillsborough County Public Schools, Tampa, developing world. Contemporary Art Festival as well as the 2015 Florida, in May 2015. Rich was a public educator SUR: Biennial at the Torrance Art Museum working at the school, district and state levels. Wallace Hardgrove (BBA ’88) was promoted to the in California. De Anda exhibits internationally During his 40-year career, he worked with pre-K budget executive director for El Paso County. He and is included in the collections of the El Paso through graduate school students. Downs began has more than 25 years of experience in finance and Museum of Art and the Museo de Arte Sonora his career with the El Paso Independent School as budget manager in the Auditor’s Office. MUSAS. He is represented by La Estación Arte District and was a school counselor for 33 years. Contemporáneo, Chihuahua, Mexico. Sheryl Maxsom (B.S.Ed. ’89; Ph.D. ’14) received Bob Geske (B.S.Ed. ’71; M.Ed. ’77) was inducted the Hispanic Research Issues SIG Outstanding Miguel Fernandez Jr. (BBA ’98), president and into the El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame. Dissertation Award from the American Educational CEO of Transtelco Inc., was nominated to join the Research Association. Maxsom retired as the University Medical Center of El Paso Board of Brian Kanof (B.A. ’71) was inducted into the principal at Gonzalo and Sofia Garcia Elementary Directors. El Paso Athletic Hall of Fame in the Media last year. Category. He has been a career photojournalist and Mirna Garcia (BSN ’99) was named unit director commercial photographer for nearly 50 years and Marcela Navarrete (BBA ’89), the vice president of labor and delivery at Sierra Providence. She was the official photographer for the UTEP Athletic of strategic, financial and management at El Paso has been with the hospital since 2008 and has Department for more than 30 years. Water Utilities, was appointed to the board of experience as a registered nurse and clinical directors for The Borderplex Alliance, a nonprofit coordinator. Ted Marquez (BSEE. ’79), director of the El group that promotes economic development in the Paso Department of Transportation, was named region. Angela Henderson (M.Ed. ’91) was appointed Transportation Manager of the Year by the to serve as the principal of Coronado High American Public Works Association. He has 35 María Almeida Natividad (B.A. ’82; M.A. ’95) was School in El Paso. Her previous role with El Paso inducted into the El Paso Women’s Hall of Fame Independent School District was as principal of Hornedo Middle School. 64 utepmagazine.utep.edu Tasha Hopper (BSN ’98; MSN ’12) was promoted Center of El Paso, which provides shelter for as an assistant coach at UTEP for two years before to the associate administrator for Sierra Providence children whose families are experiencing crises, accepting his new position. Health Network’s Transmountain Campus, where such as homelessness, stress, incarceration or she will provide operational leadership, coordination hospitalization. and support of the new hospital. Micaela Varela (M.Ed. ’01) was appointed as the Michael Warmack (B.A. ’93; MIT ’02; Ed.D. ’08) principal of Hornedo Middle School in West El Pamela Howard (M.Ed. ’97), assistant took over as principal of Bowie High School. Prior Paso. She has been with El Paso Independent superintendent for special education and special to this appointment, he served as principal of School District for 17 years, previously serving as services for El Paso Independent School District, Lincoln Middle School. the principal of Polk Elementary. was appointed to the board of the Emergence Health Network, a community-based mental health and intellectual disabilities center serving the El 2000s...... 2010s...... Paso community. Patricia Adauto (BBA ’00) was named the public Arthur Aranda (BSCE ’14) was promoted works director for El Paso County. to graduate engineer at the El Paso office of Thalia Martin (BSN ’99; MSN ’02) was promoted Professional Service Industries, a nationally to market director of quality and patient safety at Roberto Coronado (BBA ’00; M.S. ’02) was named recognized consulting engineering and testing firm. Sierra Providence Health Network. She has been to the newly created Borderplex council of the with the hospital since 2008. World Affairs Councils of America, a nonpartisan, Mauricio Lastra (BBA ’10), an El Paso native, nonprofit grassroots organization dedicated to was promoted to account executive responsible Liliana Miranda (BBA ’98) was promoted to educating and engaging the public on global issues. for business sales and production with HUB first senior vice president and chief risk officer at International Insurance Services of El Paso. WestStar Bank. She also was elected to serve as Yvonne Dorado (BBA ’04) was promoted to deputy treasurer for the board of directors for Hospice of controller with WestStar Bank. At WestStar Bank, Julio Lopez (B.A. ’11), former UTEP football player, El Paso. she has served in various roles including, most was hired as the new football coach at Eastwood recently, vice president. High School. Robert Moore (B.A. ’98), the editor of the , won first place in the editorial writing awards Orlando Hernandez (MBA ’09) was promoted Luz E. Marquez (MPA ’11) joined the staff of from the Texas Associate Press Managing Editors to chief information officer at WestStar Bank. Stanton Realty as a business development convention as well as the 2014 School Bell Award Hernandez started his career at WestStar Bank in consultant. She has 13 years of experience in real presented by the Texas State Teacher’s Association. 1999 as a Network Technician/Systems Analyst. estate and acquired her broker’s license in 2008.

Nohemi Rubio (B.A. ’99; MPA ’03), associate Sonia Lopez (BSN ’01) was promoted to director Joy Martinez (MBA ’10), CEO of Nazareth Living program officer at the Paso del Norte Health of women’s and children’s services at Sierra Care Center, was appointed to the University Foundation, was one of only 11 individuals in the Providence East. She has been with the hospital Medical Center of El Paso Board of Directors. county selected to the 2015 Leaders Across since 2008 and started as a registered nurse in the Borders advanced leadership program from the neonatal intensive care unit. Wesley Miller (BBA ’14), former University of U.S.-Mexico Border Health Commission. Texas at El Paso football safety, was signed by the Linda Medina-Lopez (BIS ’01), of Austin, Texas, was ’s team the Buffalo Bills. Lisa Saenz (BBA ’97) was promoted to executive honored as a 2015 Woman of Distinction by the vice president and chief financial officer for Girl Scouts of Central Texas, celebrating women Fernando Ortega (MBA ’10), senior vice president WestStar Bank. She will direct the bank’s financial who have distinguished themselves as outstanding with GECU, was elected to serve as the president- goals, strategic objectives, interest rate risk, members of their community through individual elect of the board of directors for Hospice of El investment strategies and budget. excellence and high levels of achievement. Paso.

Imelda Siegelson (BSIE ’99), an industrial engineer Leila Melendez (MBA ’08) joined the staff of George Moreno Pineda (B.S. ’13; BSCS ’13) was at General Motors Spring Hill, Tennessee, Workforce Solutions Borderplex as the finance and recognized by the Assistant Secretary of the Navy Manufacturing, was among 34 young Latino administrative services manager. She has worked for Research, Development and Acquisition with an professionals recognized for their leadership with El Paso’s Economic Development Department Emergent Investigator award. He was among only a qualities by the Hispanic Association on Corporate and as chief of staff for the former city manager. few awardees selected out of the 35,000 scientists Responsibility during its Young Hispanic Corporate and engineers in the Department of the Navy. Achievers Program in Atlanta. Andres Rodela (BSMME ’08) was awarded a Ph.D. from in Materials Science and Anthony Venegas (BSN ’12) was promoted to Blanca Varela (BBA ’99) was promoted to first NanoEngineering. His doctoral dissertation was unit director of surgical at Providence Memorial vice president at WestStar Bank, where her titled “Evaluation of Cold Spray Processing as a Hospital. He has been with the hospital since responsibilities will include reviewing commercial Novel Approach to Fabricate Bulk Nanocrystalline 2006. loan underwriting, structuring, approval and Al Alloys.” assignment of credit risk grades. Robert Rodriguez (B.A. ’04) joined the staff of Al Velarde (BBA ’92) was elected as a trustee the Minnesota Vikings as the assistant defensive for the El Paso Independent School District. line coach. As a student, Rodriguez was a Miner He is the executive director of the Child Crisis football team linebacker. More recently, he worked

UTEP Magazine Fall 2015 65 In Memoriam Compiled by Alysha Brady

Mousa T. Al-Alami (BSCE ’77) Leticia E. Gomez de Hernandez (BBA ’89) Leonard Eugene Pacha (MBA ’82) El Paso; September 20, 2014 El Paso; March 15, 2015 El Paso; April 26, 2015

Andrew S. Everest (B.A. ’51) Sharley Carpenter Randal (B.A. ’47) Joseph Nicholas Di Benedetto (Ph.D. ’08) Arlington, Texas; Dec. 21, 2014 El Paso; March 19, 2015 Helper, Utah; April 27, 2015

Wanda Faith “W.F.” Veneberg (B.A. ’66; M.A. ’72) David Earl Combs (B.M. ’73) Antonio R. Scandiffio (B.S. ’88) Mesa, Arizona; Dec. 22, 2014 Amarillo, Texas; March 20, 2015 El Paso; April 28, 2015

Galen Eads Palmore (BSEE ’59) Anthony Fred Salem (B.A. ’47) Frederick Ray Bunn (BBA ’72) El Paso; Feb. 5, 2015 Garden Grove, California; March 22, 2015 El Paso; April 30, 2015

Magdaleno “Leno” F. Díaz (B.A. ’53) Rex Alvin Wiesenthal (B.A. ’90; M.Ed. ’07) Edward Lee Ewing Sr. (B.A. ’80) Los Angeles, California; Feb. 10, 2015 El Paso; March 24, 2015 El Paso; May 1, 2015

Carley Deane Shirley (BBA ’79) Robert Nelson Crye (B.A. ’51) Sandra “Sandy” Jean Kelton Pitts (B.A. ’55) Arlington, Texas; Feb. 20, 2015 McMinnville, Oregon; March 25, 2015 Mountain Home, Idaho; May 1, 2015

Santiago “Jim” H. Duran (B.A. ’61) Rollie Charles Quinn (BSEE ’73) Marla Ehrlich Summerour (B.S.Ed. ’78) Roseville, California; Feb. 22, 2015 El Paso; March 26, 2015 Duluth, Georgia; May 1, 2015

Sallie Conn Fairall (BBA ’58) Ina Florence Kurland (B.A. ’57) Nancy Mattinson (BBA ’57) Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Feb. 25, 2015 El Paso; March 27, 2015 Genoa, Nevada; May 3, 2015

Charles “Charlie” Sharp (BBA ’67) Vera Lee Medlin (B.S.Ed. ’66) Christopher Flores Cochrane (B.S. ’98) Carlsbad, California; Feb. 27, 2015 El Paso; March 27, 2015 El Paso; May 5, 2015

William “Bill” Clifford Patrick Hilbert (B.S. ’62) Lloyd Allan Heineman (BBA ’51) Enrique Delgado (BSEE ’72) El Paso; Feb. 28, 2015 Midland, Texas; March 31, 2015 El Paso; May 7, 2015

Billy Harold Morrison (B.S. ’52) Sidney K. Gibson (B.M. ’59; M.Ed. ’68) Alejandro Moreno (B.S. ’76) Montgomery, Texas; Feb. 28, 2015 El Paso; April 1, 2015 El Paso; May 7, 2015

Jeffrey Kent Lucas (Ph.D. ’06) Armando “Muggins” Ruiz (B.S.Ed. ’66; M.Ed. ’69) Marie Esquivel Hudek (B.A. ’79) Lumberton, North Carolina; March 1, 2015 El Paso; April 2, 2015 El Paso; May 9, 2015

Gloria Irene Loweree (B.A. ’52) Xerxes German Wolff (BBA ’73) Hawley M. Richeson (B.A. ’51) El Paso; March 2, 2015 El Paso; April 6, 2015 El Paso; May 10, 2015

Silvia Yolanda Jaramillo (BIS ’94; M.Ed. ’96) Julieta Montalvo Chacon (B.S.Ed. ’69) Griselle del Carmen Zelaya Vargas (B.A. ’94) El Paso; March 3, 2015 El Paso; April 7, 2015 Herber City, Utah; May 12, 2015

Francis Marion Brooks (M.Ed. ’68) David Lopez (B.S.Ed. ’72) Bernard Joseph “Joe” Ward Booth (M.A. ’58) Tornillo, Texas; March 4, 2015 El Paso; April 8, 2015 Ruidoso, New Mexico; May 15, 2015

Cynthia Means Steinbreder (B.A. ’53) June Maria Sadowski Kruszewski (B.A. ’75; M.A. ’79) Marian Ilgenstein (M.Ed. ’75) Sonoma, California; March 4, 2015 El Paso; April 10, 2015 El Paso; May 15, 2015

Ernst Edward Roberts II (M.A. ’75) Charles Woodrow “Woody” Duree (B.A. ’75) Richard “Dick” Poe (BBA ’56) El Paso; March 5, 2015 El Paso; April 11, 2015 El Paso; May 16, 2015

Robert De La O (BBA ’73) Karen Ann Propst Boozer (B.A. ’66) Jean Craven Hayes (M.Ed. ’70) El Paso; March 8, 2015 El Paso; April 12, 2015 Surprise, Arizona; May 18, 2015

Albert S. Adkins Jr. (BBA ’48) Walter Alvarez (BSCE ’97; M.S. ’00) David Delgado Sr. (B.A. ’50; M.A. ’54) El Paso; March 10, 2015 Lewisville, Texas; April 13, 2015 El Paso; May 20, 2015

Denise Daye Bean (B.S. ’86) Lorena Day Caviness (B.S.Ed. ’70) John Benton Gean (BBA ’53) El Paso; March 10, 2015 El Paso; April 14, 2015 Palestine, Texas; May 21, 2015

Ruben Frausto (BBA ’95) Arturo Blas “Bachi” Sanchez (B.S.Ed. ’72; M.Ed. ’77) Dorothy Caroline Brock (BBA ’53) El Paso; March 10, 2015 El Paso; April 15, 2015 San Antonio, Texas; May 24, 2015

Kennedy “Ken” T. McAnally (B.S.Ed. ’69) Martha Elva Montoya (B.A. ’75) Antonio “Tony” M. Lindau (BBA ’99) Roman Forest, Texas; March 12, 2015 El Paso; April 18, 2015 El Paso; May 24, 2015

Eloisa Aspeitia (B.A. ’51) Steven Lee Jensen (B.A. ’72) Carol Lynne Bertrand (BBA ’06) El Paso; March 13, 2015 Fort Worth, Texas; April 19, 2015 El Paso; May 25, 2015

Edward C. Ney (BBA ’76) Mark Waltermire (B.S. ’70) Lynn Randolph Slater Sr. (BBA ’58; MBA ’80) El Paso; March 14, 2015 El Paso; April 19, 2015 Austin, Texas; May 28, 2015

66 utepmagazine.utep.edu MINERS AROUND THE WORLD The University of Texas at El Paso asked Facebook fans to submit photos of themselves wearing UTEP gear during their travels around the world. Here are some of the photos submitted.

Beverly Kelly (M.Ed. instructional 1. specialist, 1996) proudly shows off her UTEP shirt during her first trip to Europe. Here she is standing by the 1 2 3 mural, “History of Men and Stone” by Silvio Benedetto in Riomaggiore, Italy.

UTEP biology student Mariel Soto 2. shows her UTEP spirit while studying abroad in Buenos Aires, Argentina. During her stay, she ventured to breathtaking Mount Fitz Roy in Patagonia.

Frederica Yoshawirja (B.A. art, 2015) 3. and her dad, Benny (BSEE, 1979), journeyed to China in Miner style. The UTEP alumni visited one of the most impressive architectural feats in history 4 5 6 – the Great Wall of China. Ben Kelly (BSEE, 2003) soaked in the 4. turquoise lagoon of Bora Bora in French Polynesia and proudly displayed his UTEP pride while there.

Don Loftis (B.A. sociology, 1968) 5. proudly wears his Miner colors at the Christ the Redeemer sculpture in Rio de Janiero, Brazil. He said repairs on the statue were evident as Brazil prepares for the 2016 Olympics.

Robert Rodriguez (B.A. media 6. advertising, 2010) made sure to pack To submit a Miners Around the World photo for his Miner pride while he and his family vacationed in Ixtapa, Guerrero, Mexico, possible inclusion in UTEP Magazine, send the photo to enjoy the many beautiful beaches and caption information to [email protected]. there. The University of Texas at El Paso NON-PROFIT ORG University Communications US POSTAGE PAID BURLINGTON, VT 500 W. University Ave. 05401 El Paso, Texas 79968-0522 PERMIT 67 www.utep.edu

Fun for the whole family! Rock-Climbing Wall | Passport to Fitness Challenge Tricycle Track for Toddlers and much more!

8 a.m.-Noon | Sunday, September 27, 2015 | UTEP campus and Kidd Field Register at chs.utep.edu/runwalk/